Force and/or motion measurement system and a method of testing a subject using the same

ABSTRACT

A force measurement system includes a force measurement assembly configured to receive a subject thereon, at least one visual display device having an output screen, and one or more data processing devices configured to generate a screen image comprising a plurality of substantially concentric bands on the output screen of the at least one visual display device that is configured to create a visual stimuli for the subject disposed on the force measurement assembly. A plurality of methods for testing a subject is also disclosed herein. The methods for testing a subject utilize a force measurement assembly and/or augmented reality glasses. A measurement system including a motion detection system, an object position detection system, and/or an eye movement tracking device is additionally disclosed herein.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 13/958,348, entitled “Force and/or Motion Measurement System and a Method for Training a Subject Using the Same”, filed on Aug. 2, 2013, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 13/904,751, entitled “Force Measurement System Having A Displaceable Force Measurement Assembly”, filed on May 29, 2013, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/754,556, entitled “Force Measurement System Having A Displaceable Force Measurement Assembly”, filed on Jan. 19, 2013, the disclosure of each of which is hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth in their entirety herein.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not Applicable.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISK

Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention generally relates to a force measurement system. More particularly, the invention relates to a force and/or motion measurement system and a method for testing a subject using the same.

2. Background

Force measurement systems are utilized in various fields to quantify the reaction forces and moments exchanged between a body and support surface. For example, in biomedical applications, force measurement systems are used for gait analysis, assessing balance and mobility, evaluating sports performance, and assessing ergonomics. In order to quantify the forces and moments resulting from the body disposed thereon, the force measurement system includes some type of force measurement device. Depending on the particular application, the force measurement device may take the form of a balance plate, force plate, jump plate, an instrumented treadmill, or some other device that is capable of quantifying the forces and moments exchanged between the body and the support surface.

A balance assessment of a human subject is frequently performed using a specialized type of a force plate, which is generally known as a balance plate. In general, individuals maintain their balance using inputs from proprioceptive, vestibular and visual systems. Conventional balance systems are known that assess one or more of these inputs. However, these conventional balance systems often employ antiquated technology that significantly affects their ability to accurately assess a person's balance and/or renders them cumbersome and difficult to use by patients and the operators thereof (e.g., clinicians and other medical personnel). For example, some of these conventional balance systems employ displaceable background enclosures with fixed images imprinted thereon that are not readily adaptable to different testing schemes.

Therefore, what is needed is a force measurement system having a force measurement assembly that employs virtual reality scenarios for effectively assessing the balance characteristics of a subject and offering much greater flexibility in the balance assessment testing that can be employed. Moreover, what is needed is a method of testing a subject that utilizes a force measurement system employing flexible and interactive virtual reality scenarios. Furthermore, a force and motion measurement system is needed that includes an immersive visual display device that enables a subject being tested to become effectively immersed in a virtual reality scenario or an interactive game.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a force measurement system having a displaceable force measurement assembly that substantially obviates one or more problems resulting from the limitations and deficiencies of the related art.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a force measurement system comprising a force measurement assembly configured to receive a subject, the force measurement assembly including a surface for receiving at least one portion of the body of the subject; and at least one force transducer, the at least one force transducer configured to sense one or more measured quantities and output one or more signals that are representative of forces and/or moments being applied to the surface of the force measurement assembly by the subject; at least one visual display device having an output screen, the at least one visual display device configured to display one or more images on the output screen so that the images are viewable by the subject; and one or more data processing devices operatively coupled to the force measurement assembly and the at least one visual display device, the one or more data processing devices configured to receive the one or more signals that are representative of the forces and/or moments being applied to the surface of the force measurement assembly by the subject, and to convert the one or more signals into output forces and/or moments, the one or more data processing devices further configured to generate a screen image comprising a plurality of substantially concentric bands on the output screen of the at least one visual display device that is configured to create a visual stimuli for the subject disposed on the force measurement assembly.

In a further embodiment of this aspect of the present invention, each of the plurality of substantially concentric bands generated by the one or more data processing devices on the output screen of the at least one visual display device comprise blurred edge portions without any clearly defined boundary lines so that the subject is unable to establish a particular focal point of reference on the output screen.

In yet a further embodiment, each of the plurality of substantially concentric bands generated by the one or more data processing devices on the output screen of the at least one visual display device comprise one or more of the following: (i) a plurality of circular concentric bands, (ii) a plurality of elliptical or oval concentric bands, (iii) a plurality of rectangular concentric bands, (iv) a plurality of square concentric bands, and (v) a plurality of concentric bands having generally straight side portions with rounded corner portions.

In still a further embodiment, the plurality of substantially concentric bands generated by the one or more data processing devices on the output screen of the at least one visual display device are three-dimensionally arranged on the output screen so as to create a three-dimensional tunnel effect for the subject.

In yet a further embodiment, the at least one visual display device comprises a projector having a lens and a concavely shaped projection screen, wherein the lens is disposed at a non-zero, angled orientation relative to a body of the projector, and wherein the projector is configured to project an image through the lens, and onto the concavely shaped projection screen.

In still a further embodiment, the at least one visual display device comprises a concavely shaped projection screen and a plurality of projectors, the plurality of projectors being configured to project intersecting light beams onto the concavely shaped projection screen of the at least one visual display device, and to form an overall composite image on the projection screen by means of the intersecting light beams.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for testing a subject disposed on a force measurement assembly, the method comprising the steps of: (i) providing a force measurement assembly configured to receive a subject, the force measurement assembly including a surface for receiving at least one portion of the body of the subject; and at least one force transducer, the at least one force transducer configured to sense one or more measured quantities and output one or more signals that are representative of forces and/or moments being applied to the surface of the force measurement assembly by the subject; (ii) providing at least one visual display device having an output screen, the at least one visual display device configured to display one or more images on the output screen so that the images are viewable by the subject, and/or providing a visual surround device configured to be mechanically displaced by one or more first actuators; (iii) providing one or more data processing devices operatively coupled to the force measurement assembly and the at least one visual display device and/or the one or more first actuators of the visual surround device, the one or more data processing devices configured to receive the one or more signals that are representative of the forces and/or moments being applied to the surface of the force measurement assembly by the subject and to convert the one or more signals into output forces and/or moments; (iv) positioning the subject on the force measurement assembly; (v) sensing, by utilizing the at least one force transducer, one or more measured quantities that are representative of forces and/or moments being applied to the surface of the force measurement assembly by the subject and outputting one or more signals representative thereof; (vi) converting, by using the one or more data processing devices, the one or more signals that are representative of the forces and/or moments being applied to the surface of the force measurement assembly by the subject into one or more load output values; (vii) computing, by using the one or more data processing devices, one or more numerical values that are indicative of a postural stability of a subject by using the one or more load output values; (viii) generating, by using the one or more data processing devices, one or more images that are displayed on the output screen of the at least one visual display device, the one or more images being initially displayed on the output screen of the at least one visual display device in an initial condition with an initial image velocity value, and subsequent to the initial condition, the one or more images being displaced on the output screen of the at least one visual display device in accordance with a subsequent image velocity value that incrementally increases over time as a subject test progresses, or generating, by using the one or more data processing devices, a motion profile for the visual surround device, the visual surround device initially being maintained at an initial visual surround velocity value in accordance with an initial condition of the motion profile, and subsequent to the initial condition, the visual surround device being mechanically displaced in accordance with a subsequent visual surround velocity value that incrementally increases over time as a subject test progresses; and (ix) evaluating, by using the one or more numerical values computed by the one or more data processing devices, a performance of the subject during the progression of the subject test in order to assess a postural stability of the subject.

In a further embodiment of this aspect of the present invention, the step of generating the one or more images and displacing the one or more images on the output screen of the at least one visual display device using the one or more data processing devices further comprises setting the initial image velocity value to zero or approximately zero and incrementally increasing the image velocity value until reaching a final image velocity value at which the one or more images are being displaced generally in sync with a computed postural sway of a subject, or generating the motion profile for the visual surround device using the one or more data processing devices further comprises setting the initial visual surround velocity value to zero or approximately zero and incrementally increasing the visual surround velocity value until reaching a final visual surround velocity value at which the visual surround device is mechanically displaced generally in sync with the computed postural sway of the subject.

In yet a further embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of: (i) providing at least one second actuator operatively coupled to the force measurement assembly, the at least one second actuator configured to displace the force measurement assembly, and the at least one second actuator being operatively coupled to the one or more data processing devices; (ii) selectively displacing the force measurement assembly and the subject disposed thereon during the subject test by means of controlling the at least one second actuator using the one or more data processing devices; (iii) initially fixing the force measurement assembly and the subject disposed thereon in an initial static position wherein the force measurement assembly and the subject disposed thereon are generally stationary, and subsequent to the initial static position, displacing the force measurement assembly and the subject disposed thereon in accordance with a measurement assembly velocity value that incrementally increases over time as the subject test progresses. Also, in this further embodiment, the step of evaluating the performance of the subject during the progression of the subject test further comprises evaluating the performance of the subject while the force measurement assembly and the subject disposed thereon are displaced as the measurement assembly velocity value is incrementally increased.

In still a further embodiment, the step of displacing the force measurement assembly and the subject disposed thereon in accordance with the measurement assembly velocity value further comprises incrementally increasing the measurement assembly velocity value until reaching a final measurement assembly velocity value at which the force measurement assembly and the subject disposed thereon are being displaced generally in sync with a computed postural sway of a subject.

In yet a further embodiment, during the performance of the subject test, the image velocity value or the visual surround velocity value is generally equal to the measurement assembly velocity value such that the one or more images on the output screen of the at least one visual display device or the visual surround device are displaced in sync with the displacement of the force measurement assembly and the subject.

In still a further embodiment, the step of generating the one or more images and displacing the one or more images on the output screen of the at least one visual display device or generating the motion profile for the visual surround device and displacing the visual surround device further comprises displacing the one or more images or the visual surround device in accordance with one or more of the following: (i) a medial-lateral direction of the subject, (ii) an anterior-posterior direction of the subject, (iii) a superior-inferior direction of the subject, and (iv) a rotational perturbation about one or more rotational axes in one or more respective pitch, roll, or yaw directions.

In yet a further embodiment, the method further comprises the step of determining, by using the one or more data processing devices, a time duration of the subject test in accordance with a quasi real-time assessment of the one or more numerical values that are indicative of the postural stability of the subject.

In still a further embodiment, the one or more numerical values that are indicative of a postural stability of a subject include a sway angle of the subject.

In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a measurement and analysis system that includes at least one visual display device having an output screen, the at least one visual display device configured to display one or more scene images on the output screen so that the images are viewable by a subject; an object position detection system, the object position detection system configured to detect a position of a body portion of a subject and output one or more first signals representative of the detected position, the object position detection system comprising at least one of the following: (i) one or more inertial measurement units, (ii) a touchscreen interface of the at least one visual display device, (iii) one or more infrared (IR) sensing devices, and (iv) one or more cameras; and a data processing device operatively coupled to the at least one visual display device and the object position detection system, the data processing device configured to receive the one or more first signals that are representative of the position of the body portion of the subject and to compute the position and/or orientation of the body portion of the subject using the one or more first signals, the data processing device further configured to determine a position of one or more objects in the one or more scene images of the at least one visual display device, and to compute a difference value between the computed position and/or orientation of the body portion of the subject and the position determined for the one or more objects in the one or more scene images of the at least one visual display device, or to compute a time delay between a movement of the one or more objects in the one or more scene images of the at least one visual display device and a movement of the body portion of the subject, the data processing device additionally configured to assess a performance of the subject while performing one or more simulated tasks, interactive games, training exercises, or balance tests using the computed difference value or the computed time delay of the subject.

In a further embodiment of this aspect of the present invention, the measurement and analysis system further comprises a force measurement assembly configured to receive the subject. The force measurement assembly includes a surface for receiving at least one portion of the body of the subject; and at least one force transducer, the at least one force transducer configured to sense one or more measured quantities and output one or more second signals that are representative of forces and/or moments being applied to the surface of the force measurement assembly by the subject. In this further embodiment, the data processing device is operatively coupled to the force measurement assembly, the data processing device configured to receive the one or more second signals that are representative of the forces and/or moments being applied to the surface of the force measurement assembly by the subject and to convert the one or more second signals into output forces and/or moments, and the data processing device further configured to assess a performance of the subject while performing the one or more simulated tasks, interactive games, training exercises, or balance tests using the output forces and/or moments being measured by the force measurement assembly.

In yet a further embodiment, the measurement and analysis system further comprises an instrumented motion capture glove configured to detect one or more finger motions of the subject while the subject performs the one or more simulated tasks, interactive games, training exercises, or balance tests, the instrumented motion capture glove being configured to output one or more third signals that are representative of the detected finger movement of the subject, the instrumented motion capture glove being operatively coupled to the data processing device, and the data processing device being configured to determine one or more finger positions of the subject during the performance of the one or more simulated tasks, interactive games, training exercises, or balance tests using the one or more third signals outputted by the instrumented motion capture glove.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for testing a subject, the method comprising the steps of: (i) providing augmented reality glasses configured to be worn on a head of a subject, the augmented reality glasses including one or more visual displays configured to generate a virtual screen image for the subject; and one or more cameras configured to capture one or more video images of an environment surrounding the subject; (ii) providing a data processing device operatively coupled to the augmented reality glasses, the data processing device configured to manipulate the virtual screen image that is displayed on the one or more visual displays of the augmented reality glasses; (iii) positioning the augmented reality glasses on the subject; (iv) capturing one or more video images of an environment surrounding the subject using the one or more cameras of the augmented reality glasses; and (v) altering and/or displacing, by using the data processing device, the one or more video images of the environment surrounding the subject so that, when the one or more video images are displayed to the subject on the one or more visual displays of the augmented reality glasses, the one or more video images no longer depict an accurate representation of the environment surrounding the subject so as to perturb a visual input of the subject.

In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a measurement and analysis system that includes at least one visual display device having an output screen, the at least one visual display device configured to display one or more scene images on the output screen so that the images are viewable by a subject; an eye movement tracking device configured to track eye movement of the subject while the subject performs one or more simulated tasks, interactive games, training exercises, or balance tests, the eye movement tracking device being configured to output one or more first signals that are representative of the detected eye movement direction of the subject; and a data processing device operatively coupled to the at least one visual display device and the eye movement tracking device, the data processing device configured to receive the one or more first signals that are representative of the detected eye movement direction of the subject to determine one or more eye directions of the subject using the one or more first signals, and the data processing device further configured to determine a position of one or more objects in the one or more scene images of the at least one visual display device, and to compare the one or more eye directions of the subject to the position of one or more objects in the one or more scene images of the at least one visual display device, or to compute a time delay between a movement of the one or more objects in the one or more scene images of the at least one visual display device and a change in the eye direction of the subject, the data processing device additionally configured to assess a performance of the subject while performing the one or more simulated tasks, interactive games, training exercises, or balance tests using the comparison of the one or more eye directions of the subject to the position of one or more objects or the computed time delay of the subject.

In a further embodiment of this aspect of the present invention, the measurement and analysis system further comprises at least one inertial measurement unit configured to be disposed on the head of the subject so that a head position of the subject is capable of being determined together with the one or more eye directions of the subject determined using the eye movement tracking device.

In yet a further embodiment, the measurement and analysis system further comprises a scene camera configured to be disposed on the head of the subject so that a gaze direction of the subject is capable of being determined together with the one or more eye directions of the subject determined using the eye movement tracking device.

It is to be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description of the present invention are merely exemplary and explanatory in nature. As such, the foregoing general description and the following detailed description of the invention should not be construed to limit the scope of the appended claims in any sense.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a force measurement system having a displaceable force measurement assembly according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an immersive subject visual display device, a base assembly, and displaceable force measurement assembly of the force measurement system according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an immersive subject visual display device and a cutaway perspective view of a base assembly and displaceable force measurement assembly of the force measurement system according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein several covers of the base assembly are removed;

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic perspective view of one force measurement assembly used in the force measurement system, according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein the force measurement assembly is in the form of a dual force plate;

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic top view of one force measurement assembly used in the force measurement system with exemplary coordinate axes superimposed thereon, according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein the force measurement assembly is in the form of a dual force plate;

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic perspective view of another force measurement assembly used in the force measurement system, according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein the force measurement assembly is in the form of a single force plate;

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic top view of another force measurement assembly used in the force measurement system with exemplary coordinate axes superimposed thereon, according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein the force measurement assembly is in the form of a single force plate;

FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic top view of the base assembly and the immersive subject visual display device of the force measurement system according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic rear view of the base assembly and the immersive subject visual display device of the force measurement system according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic side view of the base assembly and the immersive subject visual display device of the force measurement system according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of constituent components of the force measurement system having a displaceable force measurement assembly, according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating data manipulation operations and motion control operations carried out by the force measurement system, according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 13 is a single-line diagram of the base assembly electrical power system, according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 14 is a first example of a virtual reality scene displayed on the subject visual display device of the force measurement system, according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 15 is a second example of a virtual reality scene displayed on the subject visual display device of the force measurement system, according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 16 is a first variation of an interactive game displayed on the subject visual display device of the force measurement system, according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 17 is a second variation of an interactive game displayed on the subject visual display device of the force measurement system, according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein a game element is in a first position;

FIG. 18 is a second variation of an interactive game displayed on the subject visual display device of the force measurement system, according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein the game element is in a second position;

FIG. 19 is a second variation of an interactive game displayed on the subject visual display device of the force measurement system, according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein the game element is in a third position;

FIG. 20 is a second variation of an interactive game displayed on the subject visual display device of the force measurement system, according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein the game element is in a fourth position;

FIG. 21 is a second variation of an interactive game displayed on the subject visual display device of the force measurement system, according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein the game element is in a fifth position;

FIG. 22 is a first variation of a training screen image displayed on the subject visual display device of the force measurement system, according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 23 is a second variation of a training screen image displayed on the subject visual display device of the force measurement system, according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 24 is a third variation of a training screen image displayed on the subject visual display device of the force measurement system, according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 25 is a third variation of an interactive game displayed on the subject visual display device of the force measurement system, according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein the interactive game is provided with one or more targets and a game element is in a first position;

FIG. 26 is a third variation of an interactive game displayed on the subject visual display device of the force measurement system, according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein the interactive game is provided with one or more targets and the game element is in a second position;

FIG. 27 is another example of an interactive game displayed on the subject visual display device of the force measurement system, according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein the interactive game is in the form of an interactive skiing game;

FIG. 28 is a diagrammatic top view of the base assembly and the immersive subject visual display device of the force measurement system according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, wherein a projector with a fisheye lens is disposed in the front of the visual display device and behind the subject;

FIG. 29 is a diagrammatic side view of the base assembly and the immersive subject visual display device of the force measurement system according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, wherein the projector with the fisheye lens is disposed in the front of the visual display device and behind the subject;

FIG. 30 is a diagrammatic top view of the base assembly and the immersive subject visual display device of the force measurement system according to yet another alternative embodiment of the invention, wherein two projectors with respective fisheye lens are disposed in the front of the visual display device and behind the subject;

FIG. 31 is a diagrammatic side view of the base assembly and the immersive subject visual display device of the force measurement system according to yet another alternative embodiment of the invention, wherein the two projectors with respective fisheye lens are disposed in the front of the visual display device and behind the subject;

FIG. 32 is a diagrammatic top view of a force and motion measurement system having a motion acquisition/capture system, according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein the motion acquisition/capture system is illustrated with the base assembly, the immersive subject visual display device, and a subject having a plurality of markers disposed thereon;

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of a force and motion measurement system having a motion acquisition/capture system, according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein the motion acquisition/capture system is illustrated with the base assembly, the immersive subject visual display device, and a subject having a plurality of markers disposed thereon;

FIG. 34 is a block diagram illustrating a calculation procedure for the joint angles, velocities, and accelerations, and a calculation procedure for the joint forces and moments, both of which are carried out by the force and motion measurement system according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 35 is a diagrammatic view of a human foot and its typical bone structure with certain elements of the free body diagram of FIG. 36 superimposed thereon, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 36 is a free body diagram that diagrammatically represents the forces and moments acting on the ankle joint according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 37 is a third example of a virtual reality scene displayed on the subject visual display device of the force measurement system, according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 38 is a diagrammatic perspective view of an alternative force measurement system comprising an instrumented treadmill and an enlarged hemispherical projection screen, according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 39A is a schematic side view of a motion base according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 39B is a schematic front view of a motion base according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 40 is a fourth example of a virtual reality scene displayed on the subject visual display device of the force measurement system, wherein the virtual reality scene comprises an avatar, according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 41 is a fifth example of a virtual reality scene displayed on the subject visual display device of the force measurement system, wherein the virtual reality scene comprises another avatar, according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 42 is a top view of the base assembly illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 43 is a longitudinal section cut through the base assembly illustrated in FIG. 42, wherein the section is cut along the cutting plane line A-A in FIG. 42, according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 44 is a perspective view of the base assembly and the immersive subject visual display device of the force measurement system according to another alternative embodiment of the invention, wherein a projector with an angled fisheye lens is disposed on the top of the visual display device;

FIG. 45 is a diagrammatic perspective view of another alternative force measurement system comprising an instrumented treadmill and an enlarged hemispherical projection screen wherein two projectors with respective fisheye lens are disposed in the front of the visual display device, according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 46 is a perspective view of yet another alternative force measurement system comprising a displaceable visual surround device, a base assembly, and displaceable force measurement assembly, according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 47 is a first variation of a screen image comprising a plurality of concentric bands displayed on the subject visual display device of the force measurement system, according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein the plurality of concentric bands are generally circular in shape;

FIG. 48 is a second variation of a screen image comprising a plurality of generally concentric bands displayed on the subject visual display device of the force measurement system, according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein the plurality of concentric bands are generally elliptical or oval in shape;

FIG. 49 is a perspective view of a force and motion measurement system having a motion detection system, according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein the motion detection system comprises a plurality of inertial measurement units (IMUs) for detecting the motion of the subject;

FIG. 50 is a perspective view of a subject interacting with a virtual reality scene displayed on the subject visual display device of the force measurement system, wherein the subject is outfitted with an eye movement tracking device having a field-of-view camera and an inertial measurement unit attached thereto; and

FIG. 51A is a first diagrammatic view of a subject wearing augmented reality glasses and disposed on a force measurement assembly, wherein the subject is disposed in an upright position on the force measurement assembly, and the image of the scenery viewed by the subject through the augmented reality glasses generally matches the actual view of the scenery captured by the camera(s) of the augmented reality glasses;

FIG. 51B is a second diagrammatic view of a subject wearing augmented reality glasses and disposed on a force measurement assembly, wherein the subject is in a rearwardly disposed sway angle position on the force measurement assembly, and the image of the scenery viewed by the subject through the augmented reality glasses has been modified so that it does not match that the actual view of the scenery captured by the camera(s) of the augmented reality glasses; and

FIG. 51C is a third diagrammatic view of a subject wearing augmented reality glasses and disposed on a force measurement assembly, wherein the subject is in a forwardly disposed sway angle position on the force measurement assembly, and the image of the scenery viewed by the subject through the augmented reality glasses has been modified so that it does not match that the actual view of the scenery captured by the camera(s) of the augmented reality glasses.

Throughout the figures, the same parts are always denoted using the same reference characters so that, as a general rule, they will only be described once.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

An exemplary embodiment of the measurement and testing system is seen generally at 100 in FIG. 1. In the illustrative embodiment, the force measurement system 100 generally comprises a force measurement assembly 102 that is operatively coupled to a data acquisition/data processing device 104 (i.e., a data acquisition and processing device or computing device that is capable of collecting, storing, and processing data), which in turn, is operatively coupled to a subject visual display device 107 and an operator visual display device 130. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the force measurement assembly 102 is configured to receive a subject 108 thereon, and is capable of measuring the forces and/or moments applied to its substantially planar measurement surfaces 114, 116 by the subject 108.

As shown in FIG. 1, the data acquisition/data processing device 104 includes a plurality of user input devices 132, 134 connected thereto. Preferably, the user input devices 132, 134 comprise a keyboard 132 and a mouse 134. In addition, the operator visual display device 130 may also serve as a user input device if it is provided with touch screen capabilities. While a desktop-type computing system is depicted in FIG. 1, one of ordinary of skill in the art will appreciate that another type of data acquisition/data processing device 104 can be substituted for the desktop computing system such as, but not limited to, a laptop or a palmtop computing device (i.e., a PDA). In addition, rather than providing a data acquisition/data processing device 104, it is to be understood that only a data acquisition device could be provided without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention.

Referring again to FIG. 1, it can be seen that the force measurement assembly 102 of the illustrated embodiment is in the form of a displaceable, dual force plate assembly. The displaceable, dual force plate assembly includes a first plate component 110, a second plate component 112, at least one force measurement device (e.g., a force transducer) associated with the first plate component 110, and at least one force measurement device (e.g., a force transducer) associated with the second plate component 112. In the illustrated embodiment, a subject 108 stands in an upright position on the force measurement assembly 102 and each foot of the subject 108 is placed on the top surfaces 114, 116 of a respective plate component 110, 112 (i.e., one foot on the top surface 114 of the first plate component 110 and the other foot on the top surface 116 of the second plate component 112). The at least one force transducer associated with the first plate component 110 is configured to sense one or more measured quantities and output one or more first signals that are representative of forces and/or moments being applied to its measurement surface 114 by the left foot/leg 108 a of the subject 108, whereas the at least one force transducer associated with the second plate component 112 is configured to sense one or more measured quantities and output one or more second signals that are representative of forces and/or moments being applied to its measurement surface 116 by the right foot/leg 108 b of subject 108. In one or more embodiments, when the subject is displaced on the force measurement assembly 102, the subject 108 generally does not move relative to the displaceable force measurement assembly 102 (i.e., the subject 108 and the force measurement assembly 102 generally move together in synchrony). Also, in one or more embodiments, the top surfaces 114, 116 of the respective plate components 110, 112 are not rotated underneath the feet of the subject 108, but rather remain stationary relative to the feet of the subject 108 (i.e., the top surfaces 114, 116 are displaced in generally the same manner as the feet of the subject).

In one non-limiting, exemplary embodiment, the force plate assembly 102 has a load capacity of up to approximately 500 lbs. (up to approximately 2,224 N) or up to 500 lbs. (up to 2,224 N). Advantageously, this high load capacity enables the force plate assembly 102 to be used with almost any subject requiring testing on the force plate assembly 102. Also, in one non-limiting, exemplary embodiment, the force plate assembly 102 has a footprint of approximately eighteen (18) inches by twenty (20) inches. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will realize that other suitable dimensions for the force plate assembly 102 may also be used.

Now, with reference to FIG. 2, it can be seen that the displaceable force measurement assembly 102 is movably coupled to a base assembly 106. The base assembly 106 generally comprises a substantially planar center portion 106 b with two spaced-apart side enclosures 106 a, 106 c that are disposed on opposed sides of the center portion 106 b. As shown in FIG. 2, the displaceable force measurement assembly 102 is recessed-mounted into the top surface of the center portion 106 b of the base assembly 106 (i.e., it is recess-mounted into the top surface of the translatable sled assembly 156 which is part of the center portion 106 b of the base assembly 106) so that its upper surface lies substantially flush with the adjacent stationary top surfaces 122 a, 122 b of the center portion 106 b of the base assembly 106. The upper surface of the displaceable force measurement assembly 102 also lies substantially flush with the top surface of the translatable sled assembly 156. Moreover, in the illustrated embodiment, it can be seen that the base assembly 106 further includes a pair of mounting brackets 124 disposed on the outward-facing side surfaces of each side enclosure 106 a, 106 c. Each mounting bracket 124 accommodates a respective support rail 128. The support rails 128 can be used for various purposes related to the force measurement system 100. For example, the support rails 128 can be used for supporting a safety harness system, which is worn by the subject during testing so as to prevent injury.

Referring again to FIG. 2, each side enclosure 106 a, 106 c houses a plurality of electronic components that generate a significant amount of waste heat that requires venting. Because the bottom of each side enclosure 106 a, 106 c is substantially open, the waste heat is vented through the bottom thereof. In FIG. 2, it can be seen that the side enclosure 106 a comprises an emergency stop switch 138 (E-stop) provided in the rear, diagonal panel thereof. In one embodiment, the emergency stop switch 138 is in the form of a red pushbutton that can be easily pressed by a user of the force measurement system 100 in order to quasi-instantaneously stop the displacement of the force measurement assembly 102. As such, the emergency stop switch 138 is a safety mechanism that protects a subject disposed on the displaceable force measurement assembly 102 from potential injury.

Next, turning to FIG. 3, the drive components of the base assembly 106 will be described in detail. Initially, the actuator system for producing the translation of the force measurement assembly 102 will be explained. In FIG. 3, the front top cover of the center portion 106 b of the base assembly 106 has been removed to reveal the translation drive components. As shown in this figure, the force measurement assembly 102 is rotatably mounted to a translatable sled assembly 156. The translatable sled assembly 156 is displaced forward and backward (i.e., in directions generally parallel to the sagittal plane SP of the subject (see e.g., FIG. 1) disposed on the force measurement assembly 102) by means of a first actuator assembly 158. That is, the first actuator assembly 158 moves the translatable sled assembly 156 backwards and forwards, without any substantial rotation or angular displacement (i.e., the first actuator assembly 158 produces generally pure translational movement). In the illustrated embodiment, the first actuator assembly 158 is in the form of ball screw actuator, and includes an electric motor that drives a rotatable screw shaft which, in turn, is threadingly coupled to a nut fixedly secured to the translatable sled assembly 156. As such, when the screw shaft of the first actuator assembly 158 is rotated by the electric motor, the translatable sled assembly is displaced forward and backward along a substantially linear path. The electric motor of the first actuator assembly 158 is operatively coupled to a gear box (e.g., a 4:1 gear box) which, in turn, drives the rotatable screw shaft. Advantageously, because the nut of the ball screw actuator runs on ball bearings, friction is minimized and the actuator assembly 158 is highly efficient. However, an undesirable consequence of the highly efficient ball screw actuator design is its back-driveability. This poses a potential safety hazard to a subject disposed on the displaceable force measurement assembly 102 because the force plate could inadvertently move when a subject's weight is applied thereto. In order to prevent the force measurement assembly 102 from inadvertently being translated, the first actuator assembly 158 is additionally provided with a brake assembly disposed adjacent to the electric motor thereof. The brake assembly of the first actuator assembly 158 prevents any unintentional translation of the force measurement assembly 102.

In FIG. 42, a top view of the base assembly 106 is illustrated, while in FIG. 43, a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the base assembly 106 is illustrated. As shown in FIGS. 42 and 43, the force measurement assembly 102 is mounted on a rotatable carriage assembly 157 (i.e., a swivel frame 157). The rotatable carriage assembly 157 is mounted to, and rotates relative to, the translatable sled assembly 156 (i.e., the translatable frame 156). The rotatable carriage assembly 157 is rotated by a second actuator assembly 160 (see FIG. 3) about a rotational shaft 163 (see FIG. 43—the rotatable carriage assembly 157 is provided with diagonal hatching thereon). As indicated by the curved arrows 159 in FIG. 43, the rotatable carriage assembly 157 is capable of either clockwise or counter-clockwise rotation about the transverse rotational axis TA in FIG. 3 (i.e., generally single degree-of-freedom rotation about the transverse axis TA). In contrast, as indicated by the straight arrows 161 in FIGS. 42 and 43, the translatable sled assembly 156 is capable of forward and backward translational movement by virtue of being linearly displaced by first actuator assembly 158. In FIGS. 42 and 43, a rearwardly displaced position 156 a of the translatable sled assembly 156 is indicated using center lines, while a forwardly displaced position 156 b of the translatable sled assembly 156 is indicated using dashed lines with small dashes.

Again, referring to FIG. 3, the actuator system for producing the rotation of the force measurement assembly 102 will now be described. In FIG. 3, the top cover of the side enclosure 106 c of the base assembly 106 has been removed to reveal the rotational drive components. The force measurement assembly 102 is rotated within the translatable sled assembly 156 by the second actuator assembly 160. Like the first actuator assembly 158, the second actuator assembly 160 is also in the form of ball screw actuator, and includes an electric motor with a gear box (e.g., a 4:1 gear box) that drives a rotatable screw shaft which, in turn, is threadingly coupled to a nut that runs on ball bearings. Although, unlike the first actuator assembly 158, the second actuator assembly 160 further includes a swing arm which is operatively coupled to the nut of the ball screw actuator. When the nut undergoes displacement along the screw shaft, the swing arm, which is attached to the rotatable carriage assembly 157 with the force measurement assembly 102, is rotated. As such, when the swing arm is rotated, the rotatable carriage assembly 157 with the force measurement assembly 102 is also rotated about a transverse rotational axis TA (see FIG. 3). That is, the force measurement assembly 102 undergoes generally single degree-of-freedom rotation about the transverse rotational axis TA. In one embodiment, the imaginary transverse rotational axis TA approximately passes through the center of the ankle joints of the subject 108 when he or she is disposed on the force measurement assembly 102. Because the second actuator assembly 160 is also in the form of a highly efficient ball screw actuator, it includes a brake assembly disposed adjacent to the electric motor to prevent it from being back-driven, similar to that of the first actuator assembly 158. The brake assembly of the second actuator assembly 160 prevents the force measurement assembly 102 from being inadvertently rotated so as to protect a subject disposed thereon from its inadvertent movement. When the translatable sled assembly 156 is translated by the first actuator assembly 158, the second actuator assembly 160 is translated with the sled assembly 156 and the force plate. In particular, when the translatable sled assembly 156 is translated backwards and forwards by the first actuator assembly 158, the second actuator assembly 160 is displaced along a rail or rod of the base assembly 106.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, both the first actuator assembly 158 and the second actuator assembly 160 are provided with two (2) electrical cables operatively coupled thereto. The first cable connected to each actuator assembly 158, 160 is a power cable for the electric motor and brake of each actuator, while the second cable transmits positional information from the respective actuator encoder that is utilized in the feedback control of each actuator assembly 158, 160.

Referring back to FIG. 1, it can be seen that the base assembly 106 is operatively coupled to the data acquisition/data processing device 104 by virtue of an electrical cable 118. The electrical cable 118 is used for transmitting data between the programmable logic controller (PLC) of the base assembly 106 and the data acquisition/data processing device 104 (i.e., the operator computing device 104). Various types of data transmission cables can be used for cable 118. For example, the cable 118 can be a Universal Serial Bus (USB) cable or an Ethernet cable. Preferably, the electrical cable 118 contains a plurality of electrical wires bundled together that are utilized for transmitting data. However, it is to be understood that the base assembly 106 can be operatively coupled to the data acquisition/data processing device 104 using other signal transmission means, such as a wireless data transmission system.

In the illustrated embodiment, the at least one force transducer associated with the first and second plate components 110, 112 comprises four (4) pylon-type force transducers 154 (or pylon-type load cells) that are disposed underneath, and near each of the four corners (4) of the first plate component 110 and the second plate component 112 (see FIG. 4). Each of the eight (8) illustrated pylon-type force transducers has a plurality of strain gages adhered to the outer periphery of a cylindrically-shaped force transducer sensing element for detecting the mechanical strain of the force transducer sensing element imparted thereon by the force(s) applied to the surfaces of the force measurement assembly 102. As shown in FIG. 4, a respective base plate 162 can be provided underneath the transducers 154 of each plate component 110, 112 for facilitating the mounting of the force plate assembly to the rotatable carriage assembly 157 of the translatable sled assembly 156 of the base assembly 106. Alternatively, a plurality of structural frame members (e.g., formed from steel) could be used in lieu of the base plates 162 for attaching the dual force plate assembly to the rotatable carriage assembly 157 of the translatable sled assembly 156 of the base assembly 106.

In an alternative embodiment, rather than using four (4) pylon-type force transducers 154 on each plate component 110, 112, force transducers in the form of transducer beams could be provided under each plate component 110, 112. In this alternative embodiment, the first plate component 110 could comprise two transducer beams that are disposed underneath, and on generally opposite sides of the first plate component 110. Similarly, in this embodiment, the second plate component 112 could comprise two transducer beams that are disposed underneath, and on generally opposite sides of the second plate component 112. Similar to the pylon-type force transducers 154, the force transducer beams could have a plurality of strain gages attached to one or more surfaces thereof for sensing the mechanical strain imparted on the beam by the force(s) applied to the surfaces of the force measurement assembly 102.

Rather, than using four (4) force transducer pylons under each plate, or two spaced apart force transducer beams under each plate, it is to be understood that the force measurement assembly 102 can also utilize the force transducer technology described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,544,347, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

In other embodiments of the invention, rather than using a force measurement assembly 102 having first and second plate components 110, 112, it is to be understood that a force measurement assembly 102′ in the form of a single force plate may be employed (see FIG. 6). Unlike the dual force plate assembly illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4, the single force plate comprises a single measurement surface on which both of a subject's feet are placed during testing. Although, similar to the measurement assembly 102, the illustrated single force plate 102′ comprises four (4) pylon-type force transducers 154 (or pylon-type load cells) that are disposed underneath, and near each of the four corners (4) thereof for sensing the load applied to the surface of the force measurement assembly 102′. Also, referring to FIG. 6, it can be seen that the single force plate 102′ may comprise a single base plate 162′ disposed beneath the four (4) pylon-type force transducers 154.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the base assembly 106 is preferably provided with a plurality of support feet 126 disposed thereunder. Preferably, each of the four (4) corners of the base assembly 106 is provided with a support foot 126. In one embodiment, each support foot 126 is attached to a bottom surface of base assembly 106. In one preferred embodiment, at least one of the support feet 126 is adjustable so as to facilitate the leveling of the base assembly 106 on an uneven floor surface (e.g., see FIG. 3, the support foot can be provided with a threaded shaft 129 that permits the height thereof to be adjusted). For example, referring to FIG. 2, the right corner of the base assembly 106 may be provided with a removable cover plate 127 for gaining access to an adjustable support foot 126 with threaded shaft 129.

In one exemplary embodiment, with reference to FIG. 2, the base assembly 106 has a length L_(B) of approximately five feet (5′-0″), a width W_(B) of approximately five feet (5′-0″), and a step height H_(B) of approximately four (4) inches. In other words, the base assembly has an approximately 5′-0″ by 5′-0″ footprint with step height of approximately four (4) inches. In other exemplary embodiments, the base assembly 106 has a width W_(B) of slightly less than five feet (5′-0″), for example, a width W_(B) lying in the range between approximately fifty-two (52) inches and approximately fifty-nine (59) inches (or between fifty-two (52) inches and fifty-nine (59) inches). Also, in other exemplary embodiments, the base assembly 106 has a step height lying in the range between approximately four (4) inches and approximately four and one-half (4½) inches (or between four (4) inches and four and one-half (4½) inches). Advantageously, the design of the base assembly 106 is such that its step height is minimized. For example, the placement of the second actuator assembly 160 above the top surface of the base assembly 106 facilitates a reduction in the step height of the base assembly 106. It is highly desirable for the base assembly 106 to have as low a profile as possible. A reduced step height especially makes it easier for subjects having balance disorders to step on and off the base assembly 106. This reduced step height is particularly advantageous for elderly subjects or patients being tested on the force measurement system 100 because it is typically more difficult for elderly subjects to step up and down from elevated surfaces.

Now, with reference to FIGS. 8-10, the subject visual display device 107 of the force measurement system 100 will be described in more detail. In the illustrated embodiment, the subject visual display device 107 generally comprises a projector 164, a generally spherical mirror 166 (i.e., a convexly curved mirror that has the shape of a piece cut out of a spherical surface), and a generally hemispherical concave projection screen 168 with a variable radius (i.e., the radius of the hemispherical projection screen 168 becomes increasingly larger from its center to its periphery—see radii R1, R2, and R3 in FIG. 10). As shown in FIGS. 8-10, the hemispherical projection screen 168 may be provided with a peripheral flange 169 therearound. The lens of the projector 164 projects an image onto the generally spherical mirror 166 which, in turn, projects the image onto the generally hemispherical projection screen 168 (see FIG. 10). As shown in FIGS. 8 and 10, the top of the generally hemispherical projection screen 168 is provided with a semi-circular cutout 180 for accommodating the projector light beam 165 in the illustrative embodiment. Advantageously, the generally hemispherical projection screen 168 is a continuous curved surface that does not contain any lines or points resulting from the intersection of adjoining planar or curved surfaces. Thus, the projection screen 168 is capable of creating a completely immersive visual environment for a subject being tested on the force measurement assembly 102 because the subject is unable to focus on any particular reference point or line on the screen 168. As such, the subject becomes completely immersed in the virtual reality scene(s) being projected on the generally hemispherical projection screen 168, and thus, his or her visual perception can be effectively altered during a test being performed using the force measurement system 100 (e.g., a balance test). In order to permit a subject to be substantially circumscribed by the generally hemispherical projection screen 168 on three sides, the bottom of the screen 168 is provided with a semi-circular cutout 178 in the illustrative embodiment. While the generally hemispherical projection screen 168 thoroughly immerses the subject 108 in the virtual reality scene(s), it advantageously does not totally enclose the subject 108. Totally enclosing the subject 108 could cause him or her to become extremely claustrophobic. Also, the clinician would be unable to observe the subject or patient in a totally enclosed environment. As such, the illustrated embodiment of the force measurement system 100 does not utilize a totally enclosed environment, such as a closed, rotating shell, etc. Also, as shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 8-10, the subject visual display device 107 is not attached to the subject 108, and it is spaced apart from the force measurement assembly 102 disposed in the base assembly 106.

In one embodiment of the invention, the generally hemispherical projection screen 168 is formed from a suitable material (e.g., an acrylic, fiberglass, fabric, aluminum, etc.) having a matte gray color. A matte gray color is preferable to a white color because it minimizes the unwanted reflections that can result from the use of a projection screen having a concave shape. Also, in an exemplary embodiment, the projection screen 168 has a diameter (i.e., width W_(S)) of approximately 69 inches and a depth D_(S) of approximately 40 inches (see FIGS. 8 and 9). In other exemplary embodiments, the projection screen 168 has a width W_(S) lying in the range between approximately sixty-eight (68) inches and approximately ninety-two (92) inches (or between sixty-eight (68) inches and ninety-two (92) inches). For example, including the flange 169, the projection screen 168 could have a width W_(S) of approximately seventy-three (73) inches. In some embodiments, the target distance between the subject and the front surface of the projection screen 168 can lie within the range between approximately 25 inches and approximately 40 inches (or between 25 inches and 40 inches). Although, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that other suitable dimensions and circumscribing geometries may be utilized for the projection screen 168, provided that the selected dimensions and circumscribing geometries for the screen 168 are capable of creating an immersive environment for a subject disposed on the force measurement assembly 102 (i.e., the screen 168 of the subject visual display device engages enough of the subject's peripheral vision such that the subject becomes, and remains immersed in the virtual reality scenario). In one or more embodiments, the projection screen 168 fully encompasses the peripheral vision of the subject 108 (e.g., by the coronal plane CP of the subject being approximately aligned with the flange 169 of the projection screen 168 or by the coronal plane CP being disposed inwardly from the flange 169 within the hemispherical confines of the screen 168). In other words, the output screen 168 of the at least one visual display 107 at least partially circumscribes three sides of a subject 108 (e.g., see FIG. 1). As shown in FIGS. 8-10, a top cover 171 is preferably provided over the projector 164, the mirror 166, and the cutout 180 in the output screen 168 so as to protect these components, and to give the visual display device 107 a more finished appearance.

In a preferred embodiment, the data acquisition/data processing device 104 is configured to convert a two-dimensional (2-D) image, which is configured for display on a conventional two-dimensional screen, into a three-dimensional (3-D) image that is capable of being displayed on the hemispherical output screen 168 without excessive distortion. That is, the data acquisition/data processing device 104 executes a software program that utilizes a projection mapping algorithm to “warp” a flat 2-D rendered projection screen image into a distorted 3-D projection image that approximately matches the curvature of the final projection surface (i.e., the curvature of the hemispherical output screen 168), which takes into account both the distortion of the lens of the projector 164 and any optical surfaces that are used to facilitate the projection (e.g., generally spherical mirror 166). In particular, the projection mapping algorithm utilizes a plurality of virtual cameras and projection surfaces (which are modeled based upon the actual projection surfaces) in order to transform the two-dimensional (2-D) images into the requisite three-dimensional (3-D) images. Thus, the projector 164 lens information, the spherical mirror 166 dimensional data, and the hemispherical projection screen 168 dimensional data are entered as inputs into the projection mapping algorithm software. When a human subject is properly positioned in the confines of the hemispherical output screen 168, he or she will see a representation of the virtual reality scene wrapping around them instead of only seeing a small viewing window in front of him or her. Advantageously, using a software package comprising a projection mapping algorithm enables the system 100 to use previously created 3-D modeled virtual worlds and objects without directly modifying them. Rather, the projection mapping algorithm employed by the software package merely changes the manner in which these 3-D modeled virtual worlds and objects are projected into the subject's viewing area.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will also appreciate that the subject visual display device 107 may utilize other suitable projection means. For example, rather using an overhead-type projector 164 as illustrated in FIGS. 8-10, a direct or rear projection system can be utilized for projecting the image onto the screen 168, provided that the direct projection system does not interfere with the subject's visibility of the target image. In such a rear or direct projection arrangement, the generally spherical mirror 166 would not be required. With reference to FIGS. 28 and 29, in one exemplary embodiment, a single projector 164′ with a fisheye-type lens and no mirror is utilized in the subject visual display system to project an image onto the screen 168 (e.g., the projector 164′ is disposed behind the subject 108). As illustrated in these figures, the projector 164′ with the fisheye-type lens projects a light beam 165′ through the cutout 180 in the top of the generally hemispherical projection screen 168. In another exemplary embodiment, two projectors 164′, each having a respective fisheye-type lens, are used to project an image onto the screen 168 (see FIGS. 30 and 31—the projectors 164′ are disposed behind the subject 108). As depicted FIGS. 30 and 31, the projectors 164′ with the fisheye-type lens project intersecting light beams 165′ through the cutout 180 in the top of the generally hemispherical projection screen 168. Advantageously, the use of two projectors 164′ with fisheye-type lens, rather than just a single projector 164′ with a fisheye lens, has the added benefit of removing shadows that are cast on the output screen 168 by the subject 108 disposed on the force measurement assembly 102.

Another alternative embodiment of the projector arrangement is illustrated in FIG. 44. As shown in this figure, a projector 164″ having a fisheye lens 182 is mounted on the top of the hemispherical projection screen 168. In FIG. 44, it can be seen that the fisheye lens 182 is connected to the body of the projector 164″ by an elbow fitting 184. In other words, the fisheye lens 182 is disposed at a non-zero, angled orientation relative to a body of the projector 164″. In the illustrated embodiment, the non-zero, angled orientation at which the fisheye lens 182 is disposed relative to the body of the projector 164″ is approximately 90 degrees. The elbow fitting 184 comprises a one-way mirror disposed therein for changing the direction of the light beam emanating from the projector 164″. As illustrated in FIG. 44, the fisheye lens 182 is disposed at approximately the apex of the hemispherical projection screen 168, and it extends down through the cutout 180′ at the top of the screen 168. Because a fisheye lens 182 is utilized in the arrangement of FIG. 44, the generally spherical mirror 166 is not required, similar to that which was described above for the embodiment of FIGS. 28 and 29.

Referring again to FIG. 44, it can be seen that the generally hemispherical projection screen 168 can be supported from a floor surface using a screen support structure 186, which is an alternative design to that which is illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 8-10. As described above for the screen support structure 167, the screen support structure 186 is used to elevate the projection screen 168 a predetermined distance above the floor of a room. With continued reference to FIG. 44, it can be seen that the illustrated screen support structure 186 comprises a plurality of lower leg members 187 (i.e., four (4) leg members 187) that support an upper support cage portion 189, which is disposed around the upper portion of the generally hemispherical projection screen 168. In particular, the upper support cage portion 189 is securely attached to the peripheral flange 169 of the hemispherical projection screen 168 (e.g., by using a plurality of fasteners on each side of the flange 169). Because the upper support cage portion 189 is mostly attached to the upper portion (e.g., upper half) of the screen 168, the screen 168 is generally supported above its center-of-gravity, which advantageously results in a screen mounting arrangement with high structural stability. As shown in FIG. 44, one pair of the plurality of lower leg members 187 are disposed on each of the opposed lateral sides of the screen 168. Also, it can be seen that each of the lower leg members 187 is provided with a height-adjustable foot 188 for adjusting the height of the screen 168 relative to the floor. Also, as shown in FIG. 44, the projector 164″ is supported on the top of the screen 168 by a projector support frame 190, which is secured directly to the upper support cage portion 189 of the screen support structure 186 so as to minimize the transmission of vibrations from the projector 164″ to the hemispherical projection screen 168. Advantageously, the mounting arrangement of the projector 164″ on the projector support frame 190 affords adjustability of the projector 164″ in a front-to-back direction. It is highly desirable for the hemispherical projection screen 168 to be maintained in a stationary position essentially free from external vibrations so that the subject is completely immersed in the virtual environment being created within the hemispherical projection screen 168. Advantageously, the structural rigidity afforded by the screen support structure 186 of FIG. 44 virtually eliminates the transmission of vibrations to the projection screen 168, including those vibrations emanating from the building itself in which the force measurement system 100 is located. In particular, the screen support structure 186 is designed to minimize any low frequency vibrations that are transmitted to the screen 168. In addition, the elimination of the generally spherical mirror 166 from the projector arrangement in FIG. 44, minimizes the transmission of visible vibrations to the screen image that is projected onto the hemispherical projection screen 168 by the projector 164″.

In one or more embodiments, the base assembly 106 has a width W_(B) (see e.g., FIG. 2) measured in a direction generally parallel to the coronal plane CP of the subject (see e.g., FIG. 1) and a length L_(B) (FIG. 2) measured in a direction generally parallel to the sagittal plane SP of the subject (FIG. 1). In these one or more embodiments, a width W_(S) of the output screen 168 of the at least one visual display device 107 (see FIG. 9) is less than approximately 1.5 times the width W_(B) of the base assembly 106 (or less than 1.5 times the width W_(B) of the base assembly 106), and a depth D_(S) of the output screen 168 of the at least one visual display device 107 (see FIG. 8) is less than the length L_(B) of the base assembly 106 (FIG. 2). As shown in FIG. 9, in the illustrated embodiment, the width W_(S) of the output screen 168 of the at least one visual display device 107 is greater than the width W_(B) of the base assembly 106. In some embodiments, a width W_(S) of the output screen 168 of the at least one visual display device 107 (see FIG. 9) is greater than approximately 1.3 times the width W_(B) of the base assembly 106 (or greater than 1.3 times the width W_(B) of the base assembly 106).

As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 8-10, the generally hemispherical projection screen 168 can be supported from a floor surface using a screen support structure 167. In other words, the screen support structure 167 is used to elevate the projection screen 168 a predetermined distance above the floor of a room. With continued reference to FIGS. 2 and 8-10, it can be seen that the illustrated screen support structure 167 comprises a lower generally U-shaped member 167 a, an upper generally U-shaped member 167 b, and a plurality of vertical members 167 c, 167 d, 167 e. As best shown in FIGS. 2, 9, and 10, the two vertical members 167 c, 167 d are disposed on opposite sides of the screen 168, while the third vertical member 167 e is disposed generally in the middle of, and generally behind, the screen 168. The screen support structure 167 maintains the projection screen 168 in a stationary position. As such, the position of the projection screen 168 is generally fixed relative to the base assembly 106. In the side view of FIG. 10, it can be seen that the rearmost curved edge of the projection screen 168 is generally aligned with the back edge of the base assembly 106.

Next, referring again to FIG. 1, the operator visual display device 130 of the force measurement system 100 will be described in more particularity. In the illustrated embodiment, the operator visual display device 130 is in the form of a flat panel monitor. Those of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that various types of flat panel monitors having various types of data transmission cables 140 may be used to operatively couple the operator visual display device 130 to the data acquisition/data processing device 104. For example, the flat panel monitor employed may utilize a video graphics array (VGA) cable, a digital visual interface (DVI or DVI-D) cable, a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI or Mini-HDMI) cable, or a DisplayPort digital display interface cable to connect to the data acquisition/data processing device 104. Alternatively, in other embodiments of the invention, the visual display device 130 can be operatively coupled to the data acquisition/data processing device 104 using wireless data transmission means. Electrical power is supplied to the visual display device 130 using a separate power cord that connects to a building wall receptacle.

Also, as shown in FIG. 1, the subject visual display device 107 is operatively coupled to the data acquisition/data processing device 104 by means of a data transmission cable 120. More particularly, the projector 164 of the subject visual display device 107 is operatively connected to the data acquisition/data processing device 104 via the data transmission cable 120. Like the data transmission cable 140 described above for the operator visual display device 130, various types of data transmission cables 120 can be used to operatively connect the subject visual display device 107 to the data acquisition/data processing device 104 (e.g., the various types described above).

Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the visual display device 130 can be embodied in various forms. For example, if the visual display device 130 is in the form of flat screen monitor as illustrated in FIG. 1, it may comprise a liquid crystal display (i.e., an LCD display), a light-emitting diode display (i.e., an LED display), a plasma display, a projection-type display, or a rear projection-type display. The operator visual display device 130 may also be in the form of a touch pad display. For example, the operator visual display device 130 may comprise multi-touch technology which recognizes two or more contact points simultaneously on the surface of the screen so as to enable users of the device to use two fingers for zooming in/out, rotation, and a two finger tap.

Now, turning to FIG. 11, it can be seen that the illustrated data acquisition/data processing device 104 (i.e., the operator computing device) of the force measurement system 100 includes a microprocessor 104 a for processing data, memory 104 b (e.g., random access memory or RAM) for storing data during the processing thereof, and data storage device(s) 104 c, such as one or more hard drives, compact disk drives, floppy disk drives, flash drives, or any combination thereof. As shown in FIG. 11, the programmable logic controller (PLC) of the base assembly 106, the subject visual display device 107, and the operator visual display device 130 are operatively coupled to the data acquisition/data processing device 104 such that data is capable of being transferred between these devices 104, 106, 107, and 130. Also, as illustrated in FIG. 11, a plurality of data input devices 132, 134 such as the keyboard 132 and mouse 134 shown in FIG. 1, are operatively coupled to the data acquisition/data processing device 104 so that a user is able to enter data into the data acquisition/data processing device 104. In some embodiments, the data acquisition/data processing device 104 can be in the form of a desktop computer, while in other embodiments, the data acquisition/data processing device 104 can be embodied as a laptop computer.

Advantageously, the programmable logic controller 172 of the base assembly 106 (see e.g., FIGS. 12 and 13, which is a type of data processing device) provides real-time control of the actuator assemblies 158, 160 that displace the force measurement assembly 102 (i.e, force plate assembly 102). The real-time control provided by the programmable logic controller 172 ensures that the motion control software regulating the displacement of the force plate assembly 102 operates at the design clock rate, thereby providing fail-safe operation for subject safety. In one embodiment, the programmable logic controller 172 comprises both the motion control software and the input/output management software, which controls the functionality of the input/output (I/O) module of the programmable logic controller 172. In one embodiment, the programmable logic controller 172 utilizes EtherCAT protocol for enhanced speed capabilities and real-time control.

In one or more embodiments, the input/output (I/O) module of the programmable logic controller 172 allows various accessories to be added to the force measurement system 100. For example, an eye movement tracking system, such as that described by U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,113,237 and 6,152,564 could be operatively connected to the input/output (I/O) module of the programmable logic controller 172. As another example, a head movement tracking system, which is instrumented with one or more accelerometers, could be operatively connected to the input/output (I/O) module.

FIG. 12 graphically illustrates the acquisition and processing of the load data and the control of the actuator assemblies 158, 160 carried out by the exemplary force measurement system 100. Initially, as shown in FIG. 12, a load L is applied to the force measurement assembly 102 by a subject disposed thereon. The load is transmitted from the first and second plate components 110, 112 to its respective set of pylon-type force transducers or force transducer beams. As described above, in one embodiment of the invention, each plate component 110, 112 comprises four (4) pylon-type force transducers 154 disposed thereunder. Preferably, these pylon-type force transducers 154 are disposed near respective corners of each plate component 110, 112. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, each of the pylon-type force transducers includes a plurality of strain gages wired in one or more Wheatstone bridge configurations, wherein the electrical resistance of each strain gage is altered when the associated portion of the associated pylon-type force transducer undergoes deformation resulting from the load (i.e., forces and/or moments) acting on the first and second plate components 110, 112. For each plurality of strain gages disposed on the pylon-type force transducers, the change in the electrical resistance of the strain gages brings about a consequential change in the output voltage of the Wheatstone bridge (i.e., a quantity representative of the load being applied to the measurement surface). Thus, in one embodiment, the four (4) pylon-type force transducers 154 disposed under each plate component 110, 112 output a total of three (3) analog output voltages (signals). In some embodiments, the three (3) analog output voltages from each plate component 110, 112 are then transmitted to an analog preamplifier board 170 in the base assembly 106 for preconditioning (i.e., signals S_(FPO1)-S_(FPO6) in FIG. 12). The preamplifier board is used to increase the magnitudes of the transducer analog output voltages. After which, the analog force plate output signals S_(APO1)-S_(APO6) are transmitted from the analog preamplifier 170 to the programmable logic controller (PLC) 172 of the base assembly 106. In the programmable logic controller (PLC) 172, analog force plate output signals S_(APO1)-S_(APO6) are converted into forces, moments, centers of pressure (COP), and/or a center of gravity (COG) for the subject. Then, the forces, moments, centers of pressure (COP), subject center of gravity (COG), and/or sway angle for the subject computed by the programmable logic controller 172 are transmitted to the data acquisition/data processing device 104 (operator computing device 104) so that they can be utilized in reports displayed to an operator OP. Also, in yet another embodiment, the preamplifier board 170 additionally could be used to convert the analog voltage signals into digital voltage signals (i.e., the preamplifier board 170 could be provided with an analog-to-digital converter). In this embodiment, digital voltage signals would be transmitted to the programmable logic controller (PLC) 172 rather than analog voltage signals.

When the programmable logic controller 172 receives the voltage signals S_(ACO1)-S_(ACO6), it initially transforms the signals into output forces and/or moments by multiplying the voltage signals S_(ACO1)-S_(ACO6) by a calibration matrix (e.g., F_(Lz), M_(Lx), M_(Ly), F_(Rz), M_(Rx), M_(Ry)). After which, the the center of pressure for each foot of the subject (i.e., the x and y coordinates of the point of application of the force applied to the measurement surface by each foot) are determined by the programmable logic controller 172. Referring to FIG. 5, which depicts a top view of the measurement assembly 102, it can be seen that the center of pressure coordinates (x_(P) _(L) , y_(P) _(L) ) for the first plate component 110 are determined in accordance with x and y coordinate axes 142, 144. Similarly, the center of pressure coordinates (x_(P) _(R) , y_(P) _(R) ) for the second plate component 112 are determined in accordance with x and y coordinate axes 146, 148. If the force transducer technology described in application Ser. No. 13/348,506 is employed, it is to be understood that the center of pressure coordinates (x_(P) _(L) , y_(P) _(L) , x_(P) _(R) , x_(P) _(R) ) can be computed in the particular manner described in that application.

As explained above, rather than using a measurement assembly 102 having first and second plate components 110, 112, a force measurement assembly 102′ in the form of a single force plate may be employed (see FIGS. 6 and 7, which illustrate a single force plate). As discussed hereinbefore, the single force plate comprises a single measurement surface on which both of a subject's feet are placed during testing. As such, rather than computing two sets of center of pressure coordinates (i.e., one for each foot of the subject), the embodiments employing the single force plate compute a single set of overall center of pressure coordinates (x_(P), y_(P)) in accordance with x and y coordinate axes 150, 152.

In one exemplary embodiment, the programmable logic controller 172 in the base assembly 106 determines the vertical forces F_(Lz), F_(Rz) exerted on the surface of the first and second force plates by the feet of the subject and the center of pressure for each foot of the subject, while in another exemplary embodiment, the output forces of the data acquisition/data processing device 104 include all three (3) orthogonal components of the resultant forces acting on the two plate components 110, 112 (i.e., F_(Lx), F_(Ly), F_(Lz), F_(Rx), F_(Ry), F_(Rz)) and all three (3) orthogonal components of the moments acting on the two plate components 110, 112 (i.e., M_(Lx), M_(Ly), M_(Lz), M_(Rx), M_(Ry), M_(Rz)). In yet other embodiments of the invention, the output forces and moments of the data acquisition/data processing device 104 can be in the form of other forces and moments as well.

In the illustrated embodiment, the programmable logic controller 172 converts the computed center of pressure (COP) to a center of gravity (COG) for the subject using a Butterworth filter. For example, in one exemplary, non-limiting embodiment, a second-order Butterworth filter with a 0.75 Hz cutoff frequency is used. In addition, the programmable logic controller 172 also computes a sway angle for the subject using a corrected center of gravity (COG′) value, wherein the center of gravity (COG) value is corrected to accommodate for the offset position of the subject relative to the origin of the coordinate axes (142, 144, 146, 148) of the force plate assembly 102. For example, the programmable logic controller 172 computes the sway angle for the subject in the following manner:

$\begin{matrix} {\theta = {{\sin^{- 1}\left( \frac{{COG}^{\prime}}{0.55h} \right)} - 2.3^{\circ}}} & (1) \end{matrix}$ where: θ: sway angle of the subject; COG′: corrected center of gravity of the subject; and h: height of the center of gravity of the subject.

Now, referring again to the block diagram of FIG. 12, the manner in which the motion of the force measurement assembly 102 is controlled will be explained. Initially, an operator OP inputs one or more motion commands at the operator computing device 104 (data acquisition/data processing device 104) by utilizing one of the user input devices 132, 134. Once, the one or more motion commands are processed by the operator computing device 104, the motion command signals are transmitted to the programmable logic controller 172. Then, after further processing by the programmable logic controller 172, the motion command signals are transmitted to the actuator control drive 174. Finally, the actuator control drive 174 transmits the direct-current (DC) motion command signals to the first and second actuator assemblies 158, 160 so that the force measurement assembly 102, and the subject disposed thereon, can be displaced in the desired manner. The actuator control drive 174 controls the position, velocity, and torque of each actuator motor.

In order to accurately control the motion of the force measurement assembly 102, a closed-loop feedback control routine may be utilized by the force measurement system 100. As shown in FIG. 12, the actuator control drive 174 receives the position, velocity, and torque of each actuator motor from the encoders provided as part of each actuator assembly 158, 160. Then, from the actuator control drive 174, the position, velocity, and torque of each actuator motor is transmitted to the programmable logic controller 172, wherein the feedback control of the first and second actuator assemblies 158, 160 is carried out. In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 12, the position, velocity, and torque of each actuator motor is transmitted from the programmable logic controller 172 to the operator computing device 104 so that it is capable of being used to characterize the movement of the subject on the force measurement assembly 102 (e.g., the motor positional data and/or torque can be used to compute the sway of the subject). Also, the rotational and translational positional data that is received from first and second actuator assemblies 158, 160 can be transmitted to the operator computing device 104.

Next, the electrical single-line diagram of FIG. 13, which schematically illustrates the power distribution system for the base assembly 106, will be explained. As shown in this figure, the building power supply is electrically coupled to an isolation transformer 176 (also refer to FIG. 3). In one exemplary embodiment, the isolation transformer 176 is a medical-grade isolation transformer that isolates the electrical system of the base assembly 106 from the building electrical system. The isolation transformer 176 greatly minimizes any leakage currents from the building electrical system, which could pose a potential safety hazard to a subject standing on the metallic base assembly 106. The primary winding of the isolation transformer 176 is electrically coupled to the building electrical system, whereas the secondary winding of isolation transformer 176 is electrically coupled to the programmable logic controller 172 (as schematically illustrated in FIG. 13).

Referring again to FIG. 13, it can be seen that the programmable logic controller 172 is electrically coupled to the actuator control drive 174 via an emergency stop (E-stop) switch 138. As explained above, in one embodiment, the emergency stop switch 138 is in the form of a red pushbutton that can be easily pressed by a user of the force measurement system 100 (e.g., a subject on the force measurement assembly 102 or an operator) in order to quasi-instantaneously stop the displacement of the force measurement assembly 102. Because the emergency stop switch 138 is designed to fail open, the emergency stop switch 138 is a fail-safe means of aborting the operations (e.g., the software operations) performed by the programmable logic controller 172. Thus, even if the programmable logic controller 172 fails, the emergency stop switch 138 will not fail, thereby cutting the power to the actuator control drive 174 so that the force measurement assembly 102 remains stationary (i.e., the brakes on the actuator assemblies 158, 160 will engage, and thus, prevent any intentional movement thereof). Also, in one embodiment, the emergency stop switch assembly 138 includes a reset button for re-enabling the operation of the actuator control drive 174 after it is has been shut down by the emergency stop switch.

As shown in FIG. 13, the first and second actuator assemblies 158, 160 are powered by the actuator control drive 174. While not explicitly shown in FIG. 13, the electrical system of the base assembly 106 may further include a power entry module that includes a circuit breaker (e.g., a 20 A circuit breaker) and a filter. Also, the electrical system of the base assembly 106 may additionally include an electromagnetic interference (EMI) filter that reduces electrical noise so as to meet the requirements of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

Now, specific functionality of the immersive virtual reality environment of the force measurement system 100 will be described in detail. It is to be understood that the aforedescribed functionality of the immersive virtual reality environment of the force measurement system 100 can be carried out by the data acquisition/data processing device 104 (i.e., the operator computing device) utilizing software, hardware, or a combination of both hardware and software. For example, the data acquisition/data processing device 104 can be specially programmed to carry out the functionality described hereinafter. In one embodiment of the invention, the computer program instructions necessary to carry out this functionality may be loaded directly onto an internal data storage device 104 c of the data acquisition/data processing device 104 (e.g., on a hard drive thereof) and subsequently executed by the microprocessor 104 a of the data acquisition/data processing device 104. Alternatively, these computer program instructions could be stored on a portable computer-readable medium (e.g., a flash drive, a floppy disk, a compact disk, etc.), and then subsequently loaded onto the data acquisition/data processing device 104 such that the instructions can be executed thereby. In one embodiment, these computer program instructions are embodied in the form of a virtual reality software program executed by the data acquisition/data processing device 104. In other embodiments, these computer program instructions could be embodied in the hardware of the data acquisition/data processing device 104, rather than in the software thereof. It is also possible for the computer program instructions to be embodied in a combination of both the hardware and the software.

In alternative embodiments of the invention, a force measurement assembly 102 in the form of a static force plate (i.e., the force plate surface is stationary and is not displaced relative to the floor or ground) can be used with the immersive virtual reality environment described herein. Such a static force plate does not have any actuators or other devices that translate or rotate the force measurement surface (s) thereof.

As described above, in one or more embodiments of the invention, one or more virtual reality scenes are projected on the generally hemispherical projection screen 168 of the subject visual display device 107 so that the visual perception of a subject can be effectively altered during a test being performed using the force measurement system 100 (e.g., a balance test). In order to illustrate the principles of the invention, the immersive virtual reality environment of the force measurement system 100 will be described in conjunction with an exemplary balance assessment protocol, namely the Sensory Organization Test (“SOT”). Although, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that the immersive virtual reality environment of the force measurement system 100 can be utilized with various other assessment protocols as well. For example, the force measurement system 100 could also include protocols, such as the Center of Gravity (“COG”) Alignment test, the Adaption Test (“ADT”), the Limits of Stability (“LOS”) test, the Weight Bearing Squat test, the Rhythmic Weight Shift test, and the Unilateral Stance test. In addition, the immersive virtual reality environment and the displaceable force measurement assembly 102 of the force measurement system 100 can be used with various forms of training, such as closed chain training, mobility training, quick training, seated training, and weight shifting training. A brief description of each of these five categories of training will be provided hereinafter.

Closed chain training requires users to specify hip, knee, ankle, or lower back for target training. The training exercises associated with closed chain training are designed to gradually increase the amount of flexibility and to increase the overall amount of difficulty.

Mobility training starts with elements from seated training and progresses up through a full stepping motion. One goal of this training series is to help a patient coordinate the sit to stand movement and to help the patient regain control of normal activities of daily living.

Quick Training is designed to meet the basic needs of training in a quick and easy to set up interface. A variety of different trainings can be chosen that range from simple stand still with the cursor in the center target to FIG. 8 motions.

Seated training is performed while in a seated position. Seated training is typically performed using a twelve (12) inch block as a base together with a four (4) inch block, a foam block, or a rocker board placed on top of the twelve (12) inch block. These training exercises help a subject or patient begin to explore their base of support as well as coordinate core stability.

Weight shifting training involves leaning or moving in four different directions: forward, backward, left, or right. Combined with movements on top of different surfaces, the goal of the weight shifting training is to get people more comfortable with moving beyond their comfort levels through challenging them to hit targets placed close together initially, and then moving them outward toward their theoretical limits.

In general, each training protocol may utilize a series of targets or markers that are displayed on the screen 168 of the subject visual display device 107. The goal of the training is for the subject or patient 108 to move a displaceable visual indicator (e.g., a cursor) into the stationary targets or markers that are displayed on the screen 168. For example, as shown in the screen image 232 of FIG. 22, the output screen 168 of the subject visual display device 107 may be divided into a first, inner screen portion 234, which comprises instructional information for a subject 204 performing a particular test or training protocol, and a second outer screen portion 236, which comprises a displaceable background or one or more virtual reality scenes that are configured to create a simulated environment for the subject 204. As shown in FIG. 22, a plurality of targets or markers 238 (e.g., in the form of circles) are displayed on the first, inner screen portion 234. In addition, a displaceable visual indicator or cursor 240 is also displayed on the first, inner screen portion 234. The data acquisition/data processing device 104 controls the movement of the visual indicator 240 towards the plurality of stationary targets or markers 238 by using the one or more computed numerical values determined from the output signals of the force transducers associated with the force measurement assembly 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the first, inner screen portion 234 is provided with a plain white background.

In an illustrative embodiment, the one or more numerical values determined from the output signals of the force transducers associated with the force measurement assembly 102, 102′ comprise the center of pressure coordinates (x_(P), y_(P)) computed from the ground reaction forces exerted on the force plate assembly 102 by the subject. For example, with reference to the force plate coordinate axes 150, 152 of FIG. 7, when a subject leans to the left on the force measurement assembly 102′ (i.e., when the x-coordinate x_(P) of the center of pressure is positive), the cursor 240 displayed on the inner screen portion 234 is displaced to the left. Conversely, when a subject leans to the right on the force measurement assembly 102′ (i.e., when the x-coordinate x_(P) of the center of pressure is negative in FIG. 7), the cursor 240 on the inner screen portion 234 is displaced to the right. When a subject leans forward on the force measurement assembly 102′ (i.e., when the y-coordinate y_(P) of the center of pressure is positive in FIG. 7), the cursor 240 displayed on the inner screen portion 234 is upwardly displaced on the inner screen portion 234. Conversely, when a subject leans backward on the force measurement assembly 102′ (i.e., when the y-coordinate y_(P) of the center of pressure is negative in FIG. 7), the cursor 240 displayed on the inner screen portion 234 is downwardly displaced on the inner screen portion 234. In the training scenario illustrated in FIG. 22, the subject 204 may be instructed to move the cursor 240 towards each of the plurality of targets or markers 238 in succession. For example, the subject 204, may be instructed to move the cursor 240 towards successive targets 238 in a clockwise fashion (e.g., beginning with the topmost target 238 on the first, inner screen portion 234).

As illustrated in FIG. 22, a virtual reality scenario is displayed on the second outer screen portion 236 of the output screen 168 of the subject visual display device 107. The virtual reality scenario in FIG. 22 comprises a three-dimensional checkerboard room. As shown in FIG. 22, the three-dimensional checkerboard room comprises a plurality of three-dimensional boxes or blocks 205 in order to give the subject 204 a frame of reference for perceiving the depth of the room (i.e., the boxes or blocks 205 enhance the depth perception of the subject 204 with regard to the virtual room). In one or more embodiments, the data acquisition/data processing device 104 is configured to generate a motion profile for the selective displacement of the virtual reality scenario. The data acquisition/data processing device 104 may generate the motion profile for the virtual reality scenario (e.g., the three-dimensional checkerboard room) in accordance with any one of: (i) a movement of the subject on the force measurement assembly (e.g., by using the center of pressure coordinates (x_(P), y_(P))), (ii) a displacement of the force measurement assembly 102 by one or more actuators (e.g., by using the motor positional data and/or torque from the first and second actuator assemblies 158, 160), and (iii) a predetermined velocity set by a system user (e.g., the virtual reality scenario may be displaced inwardly at a predetermined velocity, such as 5 meters per second). In an alternative embodiment, the subject could be instructed to adapt to a pseudorandom movement of the displaceable force measurement assembly 102 and/or the pseudorandom movement of the virtual reality scenario. Displacing the virtual reality scene inwardly on the visual display device 107 inhibits the sensory ability, namely the visual flow, of the subject by creating artificial visual inputs from which he or she must differentiate from his or her actual surroundings.

In other embodiments, rather than comprising a virtual reality scenario, the second outer screen portion 236 of the output screen 168 may comprise a displaceable background (e.g., a background comprising a plurality of dots). For either the virtual reality scenario or the displacement background, the data acquisition/data processing device 104 is configured to displace the image displayed on the outer screen portion 236 using a plurality of different motion profiles. For example, when a displaceable background is displayed in the outer screen portion 236, the displaceable background may be displaced, or scrolled, left-to-right, right-to-left, top-to-bottom, or bottom-to-top on the output screen 168. In addition, the data acquisition/data processing device 104 may be configured to rotate the displaceable background about a central axis in any of the pitch, roll, or yaw direction (i.e., an axis passing centrally through the output screen 168, such as along radius line R1 in FIG. 10, rotation in the roll direction). Moreover, the data acquisition/data processing device 104 may be configured to adjust the position of the central axis, about which the displaceable background rotates, based upon a subject height input value so that the central axis is approximately disposed at the eye level of the subject. It is to be understood that any of these motion profiles described in conjunction with the displaceable background also can be applied to the virtual reality scenario by the data acquisition/data processing device 104. Preferably, the data acquisition/data processing device 104 is also specially programmed so as to enable a system user (e.g., a clinician) to selectively choose the manner in which the displaceable background is displaced during the training routines (i.e., the data acquisition/data processing device 104 is preferably provided with various setup options that allow the clinician to determine how the displaceable background moves during the training routines described herein). Also, preferably, the data acquisition/data processing device 104 is specially programmed so as to enable a system user (e.g., a clinician) to selectively choose from a plurality of different displaceable backgrounds that can be interchangeably used during various training routines.

In FIG. 22, the inner screen portion 234 is depicted with a border 242, which separates the inner screen portion 234 from the second outer screen portion 236. However, it is to be understood that, in other embodiments of the invention, the border 242 may be omitted. Also, in some embodiments, the data acquisition/data processing device 104 is specially programmed so as to enable a system user (e.g., a clinician) to selectively choose whether or not the inner screen portion 234 with the patient instructional information displayed thereon is displaced in accordance with the movement of the subject on the displaceable force measurement assembly 102.

In another embodiment, with reference to FIG. 23, it can be seen that only instructional information for a subject 204 may be displayed on the output screen 168 of the subject visual display device 107. As shown in this figure, a plurality of enlarged targets or markers 238′ (e.g., in the form of circles) and an enlarged displaceable visual indicator or cursor 240′ are displayed on the output screen 168. As described above, during the execution of the training protocol, the subject 204 is instructed to move the cursor 240′ into each of the plurality targets or markers 238′ in successive progression. In FIG. 23, the plurality of targets or markers 238′ and the displaceable visual indicator or cursor 240′ are displaced on a plain white background that is not moving.

In yet another embodiment, the configuration of the output screen 168 of the subject visual display device 107 could be similar to that which is depicted in FIG. 22, except that the plurality of targets or markers 238 and the displaceable visual indicator or cursor 240 could be superimposed directly on the displaceable background, rather than being separated therefrom in the inner screen portion 234. Thus, unlike in FIG. 22, where the targets 238 and the cursor 240 are superimposed on a plain white background, the targets 238 and the cursor 240 would be displayed directly on the displaceable background. In some scenarios, the targets 238 would be stationary on the output screen 168 of the subject visual display device 107, while in other scenarios, the targets 238 could be displaced on the output screen 168 of the subject visual display device 107 while the subject 204 is undergoing training.

In still another embodiment, the data acquisition/data processing device 104 is specially programmed with a plurality of options that can be changed in order to control the level of difficulty of the training. These options may include: (i) pacing (i.e., how fast a patient must move from target 238, 238′ to target 238, 238′), (ii) the percentage of limits of stability (which changes the spacing of the targets 238, 238′, (iii) percent weight bearing (i.e., the targets 238, 238′ can be adjusted in accordance with the percentage of a subject's weight that is typically placed on his or her right leg as compared to his or her left leg so as to customize the training for a particular subject, i.e., to account for a disability, etc.), and (iv) accessories that can placed on the plate surface (i.e., type of surface to stand on (e.g., solid or foam), size of box to step on/over, etc.). In addition, the data acquisition/data processing device 104 can be specially programmed to adjust the magnitude of the response of the displaceable force measurement assembly 102 and the virtual reality environment on the screen 168. For example, while a subject is undergoing training on the system 100, the displacement of the virtual reality environment on the screen 168 could be set to a predetermined higher or lower speed. Similarly, the speed of rotation and/or translation of the displaceable force measurement assembly 102 could be set to predetermined higher or lower speed.

In yet another embodiment, the data acquisition/data processing device 104 is configured to compute the vertical forces F_(Lz), F_(Rz) exerted on the surface of the first and second force plate components 110, 112 by the respective feet of the subject, or alternatively, to receive these computed values for F_(Lz), F_(Rz) from the programmable logic controller 172. In this embodiment, with reference to the screen image 258 of FIG. 24, first and second displaceable visual indicators (e.g., in the form of adjacent displaceable bars 260, 262) are displayed on the output screen 168 of the subject visual display device 107. As shown in FIG. 24, the first displaceable bar 260 represents the percentage of a subject's total body weight that is disposed on his or her left leg, whereas the second displaceable bar 262 represents the percentage of a subject's total body weight that is disposed on his or her right leg. In FIG. 24, because this is a black-and-white image, the different colors (e.g., red and green) of the displaceable bars 260, 262 are indicated through the use of different hatching patterns (i.e., displaceable bar 260 is denoted using a crisscross type hatching pattern, whereas displaceable bar 262 is denoted using a diagonal hatching pattern). The target percentage line 264 in FIG. 24 (e.g., a line disposed at 60% of total body weight) gives the subject 204 a goal for maintaining a certain percentage of his body weight on a prescribed leg during the performance of a particular task. For example, the subject 204, may be instructed to move from a sit-to-stand position while being disposed on the dual force measurement assembly 102. While performing the sit-to-stand task, the subject 204 is instructed to maintain approximately 60% of his or her total body weight on his or her left leg, or alternatively, maintain approximately 60% of his or her total body weight on his or her right leg. During the performance of this task, the data acquisition/data processing device 104 controls the respective positions of the displaceable bars 260, 262 using the computed values for the vertical forces F_(Lz), F_(Rz) (i.e., the bars 260, 262 are displayed on the output screen 168 in accordance with the values for the vertical forces F_(Lz), F_(Rz) determined over the time period of the sit-to-stand task task). If the subject is able to maintain approximately the percentage weight goal on his or her prescribed leg, then the displaceable bar 260, 262 for that leg (either right or left) will continually oscillate in close proximity to the target percentage line 264.

For the left bar 260 displayed in FIG. 24, the percentage weight for the left leg is computed as follows:

$\begin{matrix} {{\%\mspace{14mu} W_{L}} = {\left( \frac{F_{Z_{L}}}{F_{Z_{L}} + F_{Z_{R}}} \right)*100\%}} & (2) \end{matrix}$ where: % W_(L): percentage of total body weight disposed on subject's left leg; F_(Z) _(L) : vertical force on subject's left leg (e.g., in Newtons); and F_(Z) _(R) : vertical force on subject's right leg (e.g., in Newtons). For the right bar 262 displayed in FIG. 24, the percentage weight for the right leg is computed as follows:

$\begin{matrix} {{\%\mspace{20mu} W_{R}} = {\left( \frac{F_{Z_{R}}}{F_{Z_{L}} + F_{Z_{R}}} \right)*100\%}} & (3) \end{matrix}$ where: % W_(R): percentage of total body weight disposed on subject's right leg; F_(Z) _(L) : vertical force on subject's left leg (e.g., in Newtons); and F_(Z) _(R) : vertical force on subject's right leg (e.g., in Newtons).

People maintain their upright posture and balance using inputs from somatosensory, vestibular and visual systems. In addition, individuals also rely upon inputs from their somatosensory, vestibular and visual systems to maintain balance when in other positions, such as seated and kneeling positions. During normal daily activity, where dynamic balance is to be maintained, other factors also matter. These factors are visual acuity, reaction time, and muscle strength. Visual acuity is important to see a potential danger. Reaction time and muscle strength are important to be able to recover from a potential fall. During the performance of the Sensory Organization Test (“SOT”), certain sensory inputs are taken away from the subject in order to determine which sensory systems are deficient or to determine if the subject is relying too much on one or more of the sensory systems. For example, the performance of the SOT protocol allows one to determine how much a subject is relying upon visual feedback for maintaining his or her balance.

In one embodiment, the SOT protocol comprises six conditions under which a subject is tested (i.e., six test stages). In accordance with the first sensory condition, a subject simply stands in stationary, upright position on the force plate assembly 102 with his or her eyes open. During the first condition, a stationary virtual reality scene is projected on the generally hemispherical projection screen 168 of the subject visual display device 107, and the force plate assembly 102 is maintained in a stationary position. For example, the virtual reality scene displayed on the generally hemispherical projection screen 168 may comprise a checkerboard-type enclosure or room (e.g., see FIG. 14), or some other appropriate scene with nearfield objects (e.g., boxes or blocks 205). In the illustrated embodiment, the virtual reality scene is in the form of a three-dimensional image, and the nature of the scene will remain consistent throughout the performance of the SOT protocol. As shown in the screen image 200 of FIG. 14, a subject 204 is disposed in an immersive virtual reality environment 202 comprising a three-dimensional checkerboard room. As shown in FIG. 14, the three-dimensional checkerboard room comprises a plurality of three-dimensional boxes or blocks 205 in order to give the subject 204 a frame of reference for perceiving the depth of the room (i.e., the boxes or blocks 205 enhance the depth perception of the subject 204 with regard to the virtual room).

In accordance with the second sensory condition of the SOT protocol, the subject is blindfolded so that he or she is unable to see the surrounding environment. Similar to the first condition, the force plate assembly 102 is maintained in a stationary position during the second condition of the SOT test. By blindfolding the subject, the second condition of the SOT effectively removes the visual feedback of the subject.

During the third condition of the SOT protocol, like the first and second conditions, the force plate assembly 102 remains in a stationary position. However, in accordance with the third sensory condition of the test, the virtual reality scene displayed on the generally hemispherical projection screen 168 is moved in sync with the sway angle of the subject disposed on the force plate assembly 102. For example, when the subject leans forward on the force plate assembly 102, the virtual reality scene displayed on the screen 168 is altered so as to appear to the subject to be inwardly displaced on the output screen 168. Conversely, when the subject leans backward on the force plate assembly 102, the virtual reality scene is adjusted so as to appear to the subject to be outwardly displaced on the screen 168. As in the first condition, the eyes of the subject remain open during the third condition of the SOT protocol.

In accordance with the fourth sensory condition of the SOT protocol, the force plate assembly 102 and the subject disposed thereon is displaced (e.g., rotated), while the eyes of the subject remain open. The force plate assembly 102 is displaced according to the measured sway angle of the subject (i.e., the rotation of the force plate assembly 102 is synchronized with the computed sway angle of the subject). During the fourth condition, similar to the first condition, a stationary virtual reality scene is projected on the generally hemispherical projection screen 168 of the subject visual display device 107.

During the fifth condition of the SOT protocol, like the second condition thereof, the subject is blindfolded so that he or she is unable to see the surrounding environment. However, unlike during the second condition, the force plate assembly 102 does not remain stationary, rather the force plate assembly 102 and the subject disposed thereon is displaced (e.g., rotated). As for the fourth condition, the force plate assembly 102 is displaced according to the measured sway angle of the subject (i.e., the rotation of the force plate assembly 102 is synchronized with the computed sway angle of the subject). As was described above for the second condition of SOT protocol, by blindfolding the subject, the fifth condition of the SOT test effectively removes the visual feedback of the subject.

Lastly, during the sixth sensory condition of the SOT protocol, like the fourth and fifth conditions, the force plate assembly 102 and the subject disposed thereon is displaced (e.g., rotated). Although, in accordance with the sixth sensory condition of the test, the virtual reality scene displayed on the generally hemispherical projection screen 168 is also moved in sync with the sway angle of the subject disposed on the force plate assembly 102. As previously described for the fourth and fifth conditions, the displacement of the force plate assembly 102 is governed by the measured sway angle of the subject (i.e., the rotation of the force plate assembly 102 is synchronized with the computed sway angle of the subject). In an exemplary embodiment, when the subject is forwardly displaced on the force plate assembly 102 during the sixth condition of the SOT protocol, the virtual reality scene displayed on the screen 168 is altered so as to appear to the subject to be inwardly displaced on the output screen 168. Conversely, when the subject is rearwardly displaced on the force plate assembly 102, the virtual reality scene is adjusted so as to appear to the subject to be outwardly displaced on the screen 168. As in the fourth condition, the eyes of the subject remain open during the sixth condition of the SOT protocol.

During the performance of the SOT protocol, the scene or screen image displayed on the generally hemispherical projection screen 168 may also comprise one of the images illustrated in FIGS. 47 and 48. Initially, turning to FIG. 47, it can be seen that the screen image 276 on the hemispherical projection screen 168 comprises a plurality of substantially concentric bands 278 that are configured to create a disorienting visual stimuli for the subject disposed on the force measurement assembly 102. The specially programmed data acquisition/data processing device 104 of the force measurement system 100 generates the screen image 276 of FIG. 47, and the projector 164″ projects the generated image onto the screen 168. As depicted in FIG. 47, it can be seen that each of the plurality of substantially concentric bands 278 comprise blurred edge portions without any clearly defined boundary lines so that the subject is unable to establish a particular focal point of reference on the output screen 168. In other words, each band or ring 278 comprises a gradient-type edge portion 280 that is very diffuse in nature, and does not comprise any hard line transitions. As shown in FIG. 47, the plurality of substantially concentric bands 278 generated by the specially programmed data acquisition/data processing device 104 of the force measurement system 100 are three-dimensionally arranged on the screen 168 so as to create a three-dimensional tunnel effect for the subject. Advantageously, because the blurred or gradient-type edge portions 280 of the band or rings 278 do not include any clearly defined boundary lines or fixation points, the subject is unable to establish a particular focal point of reference on the output screen 168. When a subject is performing conditions three and six of the SOT protocol, it is desired that the subject believe that he or she is not moving, when in fact, he or she is actually moving on the surface of the force measurement assembly 102. Advantageously, the absence of all hard lines and defined points in the screen image 276 of FIG. 47 eliminates the frame of reference that the subject would otherwise utilize to visually detect their movement on the force measurement assembly 102, and thus greatly enhances the effectiveness of the SOT protocol. The screen image 276 of FIG. 47 enhances the effectiveness of the SOT protocol by precluding the visual input normally available from a defined reference point or line on the screen in front of the subject.

While each of the bands or rings 278 in the screen image 276 of FIG. 47 is generally circular in shape, it is to be understood that the invention is not so limited. Rather, other suitable shapes may be used for the bands or rings 278 as well. For example, in other embodiments of the invention, the bands or rings generated by the one or more data processing devices, and projected on the hemispherical projection screen 168, may comprise one or more of the following other configurations: (i) a plurality of elliptical concentric bands or rings, (ii) a plurality of rectangular concentric bands or rings, (iii) a plurality of square concentric bands or rings, and (iv) a plurality of concentric bands or rings having generally straight side portions with rounded corner portions.

In an exemplary embodiment, when the plurality of concentric bands or rings have generally straight side portions with rounded corner portions, the straight side portion of each band or ring may comprise one-third (⅓) of its overall height or width, while the radius of each rounded corner portion may comprise one-third (⅓) of its overall height or width. As such, in the exemplary embodiment, the straight side portion of each band or ring comprises one-third (⅓) of its overall height or width, the first rounded corner portion comprises one-third (⅓) of its overall height or width, and the second rounded corner portion comprises the remaining one-third (⅓) of its overall height or width. However, in other embodiments, it is to be understood that straight side portions and the rounded corner portions may comprise other suitable ratios of the overall height or width of band or rings.

Next, turning to FIG. 48, it can be seen that the screen image 276′ on the hemispherical projection screen 168 comprises a plurality of substantially concentric bands 278′, which are similar in many respects to those depicted in FIG. 47, except that the bands 278′ in FIG. 48 have a different overall shape. In particular, the plurality of concentric bands or rings 278′ in FIG. 48 are generally elliptical or oval in shape, rather than circular in shape. As was described above for the image 276 of FIG. 47, the data acquisition/data processing device 104 of the force measurement system 100 is specially programmed to generate the screen image 276′ of FIG. 48, and the projector 164″ projects the generated image onto the screen 168. Like the bands or rings 278 of FIG. 47, the concentric bands or rings 278′ of FIG. 48 also comprise gradient-type edge portions 280′ without any clearly defined boundary lines so that the subject is unable to establish a particular focal point of reference on the output screen 168. In addition, the substantially concentric bands 278′ of FIG. 48 are three-dimensionally arranged on the screen 168 so as to create a three-dimensional tunnel effect for the subject. As was explained above for the screen image of FIG. 47, the absence of all hard lines and defined points in the screen image 276′ of FIG. 48 eliminates the frame of reference that the subject would otherwise utilize to visually detect their movement on the force measurement assembly 102, and thus greatly enhances the effectiveness of the SOT protocol. In some embodiments, the concentric bands 278′ in FIG. 48 are provided with an elliptical or oval shape in order to emulate a passageway of a building (i.e., so the subject viewing the screen image 276′ has the illusion that he or she is traveling down a hallway or passageway of a building). Also, in some embodiments, the screen image 276′ of FIG. 48, as well as the screen image 276 of FIG. 47, is rotated about a central axis in any one of the pitch, roll, or yaw direction (i.e., an axis passing centrally through the output screen 168, such as along radius line R1 in FIG. 10, rotation in the roll direction) during the performance of the SOT protocol. The movement of the screen image 276, 276′ may also be synchronized with the movement of the subject such that the screen image 276, 276′ is rotated and inwardly or outwardly displaced on the screen in sync with a sway angle of the subject (e.g., when the subject leans forward on the force plate, the image is rotated downwardly and displaced into the screen, and is oppositely displaced when the subject leans backward of the force plate).

Referring again to FIG. 48, it can be seen that the screen image 276′ also comprises a horizontal line 282 disposed laterally across the plurality of concentric bands or rings 278′. That is, the horizontal line 282 laterally intersects the plurality of concentric bands or rings 278′. As shown in FIG. 48, the horizontal line 282 is disposed closer to the top of each elliptically-shaped band or ring 278′, than the bottom of each elliptically-shaped band or ring 278′, so as to be generally aligned with the line of sight of a subject of average height. In one or more embodiments, the horizontal line 282 is utilized as a visual reference line for the subject during the performance of conditions one, two, four, and five of the SOT protocol (i.e., the conditions of the SOT protocol during which the screen image on the hemispherical projection screen 168 is not displaced). In these one or more embodiments, the horizontal line 282 is configured to be selectively turned on and off by the specially programmed data acquisition/data processing device 104 of the force measurement system 100 so that it is capable of being displayed during conditions one, two, four, and five of the SOT protocol (i.e., when the screen image is not displaced), but then turned off during conditions three and six of the SOT protocol (i.e., when the screen image is displaced).

In addition, while the screen images 276, 276′ of FIGS. 47 and 48 are particularly suitable for use in the SOT protocol, it is to be understood that these the screen images 276, 276′ may be utilized in conjunction with other balance and postural stability tests and protocols as well. For example, the screen images 276, 276′ of FIGS. 47 and 48 may also be employed in the Adaption Test (“ADT”) and the Motor Control Test, while testing the balance of a subject or patient.

In another embodiment, the data acquisition/data processing device 104 of the force measurement system 100 may be specially programmed to execute a modified version of the SOT protocol wherein two or more of the six conditions of the protocol are combined with one another so as to more accurately and efficiently perform the test. The SOT protocol described above comprises six separate conditions (i.e., discrete sub-tests), each of which are performed for a predetermined period of time (e.g., each of the six conditions of the SOT protocol may be performed for approximately 20 seconds). In the modified version of the SOT protocol that will be described hereinafter, the displacement velocity (e.g., gain) of the screen background image is gradually incremented over time by the data acquisition/data processing device 104 from an initial static condition to a final dynamic condition. At the final dynamic condition, the screen image on the hemispherical projection screen 168 is displaced at a velocity that is equal to, or greater than the subject's movement (e.g., the displacement velocity of the screen image may be synchronized with the subject's computed sway angle velocity or it may be greater than the subject's sway angle velocity). Rather than the plurality of discrete conditions or sub-tests that are utilized in the SOT protocol explained above, the modified version of the SOT protocol that will be described hereinafter utilizes a continuum of different test conditions that continually vary over the time duration of the SOT protocol. Advantageously, the modified protocol allows the SOT testing to be performed more efficiently because, if it is determined that the subject is successfully performing the protocol as the velocity of the screen image is continually increased, the testing can simply be stopped after a shorter period (i.e., the test may be able to be stopped after 20 seconds, 30 seconds, etc.).

The modified version of the SOT protocol may initially comprise generating, by using the specially programmed data acquisition/data processing device 104 of the force measurement system 100, one or more screen images (e.g., screen images 276, 276′) that are displayed on the hemispherical projection screen 168. At the commencement of the SOT protocol, the one or more screen images are displayed on the output screen 168 in an initial static condition wherein the one or more images are generally stationary (i.e., the images are not moving on the screen 168). Subsequent to the initial static condition, the one or more images are displaced on the output screen 168 in accordance with a velocity value that incrementally increases over time as the SOT protocol progresses (e.g., the velocity value of the one or more images may be incremented by a predetermined amount every five (5) seconds so that the velocity value gets progressively higher as the SOT protocol progresses). The displacement of the one or more images on the output screen 168 may comprise, for example, left-to-right displacement, right-to-left displacement, top-to-bottom displacement, and/or bottom-to-top displacement on the screen 168. The displacement of the one or more images on the output screen 168 also may comprise displacements corresponding to: (i) a medial-lateral direction of the subject, (ii) an anterior-posterior direction of the subject, and/or (iii) a superior-inferior direction of the subject. In addition, the data acquisition/data processing device 104 of the force measurement system 100 may be specially programmed to rotate the displaceable image(s) about a central axis in any of the pitch, roll, or yaw direction (i.e., an axis passing centrally through the output screen 168, such as along radius line R1 in FIG. 10, rotation in the roll direction) during the SOT protocol. As such, the image velocity value that is incrementally increased during the modified SOT protocol may comprise a linear velocity value or an angular velocity value. While the modified SOT protocol is being performed, and the screen image is gradually being displaced at an incrementally higher velocity, the performance of the subject or patient is evaluated in order to assess a postural stability of the subject (e.g., by evaluating the subject's center-of-pressure, center-of-gravity, and/or sway angle over time).

As an alternative to displacing one or images on the screen 168 during the performance of the modified SOT protocol, it is to be understood that a displaceable visual surround device, which at least partially circumscribes three sides of a subject (i.e., three sides of a torso of a subject), may be employed. In particular, with reference to FIG. 46, the visual surround device 191 may comprise visual surround portion 192 that is displaceable by means of one or more actuators in an actuator device 193 that are operatively coupled to the specially programmed data acquisition/data processing device 104 of the force measurement system 100. In this alternative embodiment, the one or more data processing devices generate a motion profile for the visual surround device 191, rather than generating a motion profile for a displaceable image on the screen 168. At the commencement of the SOT protocol, the visual surround portion 192 of the visual surround device 191 is maintained in an initial static condition wherein the visual surround portion 192 is generally stationary. Subsequent to the initial static condition, the visual surround portion 192 is displaced by the one or more actuators in the actuator device 193 in accordance with a velocity value that incrementally increases over time as the SOT protocol progresses (e.g., the displacement velocity value of the visual surround portion 192 may be incremented by a predetermined amount every five (5) seconds so that the velocity value gets progressively higher as the SOT protocol progresses). Similar to that which was described above for the displaceable screen images, the displacement the visual surround portion 192 may comprise, for example, left-to-right displacement, right-to-left displacement, top-to-bottom displacement, and/or bottom-to-top displacement, depending on the quantity and the placement of the actuators. The displacement of the visual surround portion 192 also may comprise displacements corresponding to: (i) a medial-lateral direction of the subject, (ii) an anterior-posterior direction of the subject, and/or (iii) a superior-inferior direction of the subject. In addition, the data acquisition/data processing device 104 of the force measurement system 100 may be specially programmed to rotate the visual surround portion 192 about a central axis in any of the pitch, roll, or yaw direction (i.e., an axis passing centrally through the visual surround portion 192, rotation in the roll direction) during the SOT protocol. As such, as was described above for the displaceable screen images, the velocity value of the visual surround portion 192 that is incrementally increased during the modified SOT protocol may comprise a linear velocity value or an angular velocity value. While the modified SOT protocol is being performed, and the visual surround portion 192 is gradually being displaced at an incrementally higher velocity, the performance of the subject or patient is evaluated in order to assess a postural stability of the subject (e.g., by evaluating the subject's center-of-pressure, center-of-gravity, and/or sway angle over time). Referring again to FIG. 46, it can be seen that, in the illustrated embodiment, the visual surround portion 192 is rotationally displaced (i.e., as indicated by curved arrows 194) about a transverse horizontal axis TA_(VS).

Similar to that described above for the displacement of the screen image, the displacement velocity (e.g., gain) of the visual surround portion 192 may be gradually incremented over time from an initial static condition to a final dynamic condition. At the final dynamic condition, the visual surround portion 192 is displaced at a velocity that is equal to, or greater than the subject's movement (e.g., the displacement velocity of the visual surround portion 192 may be synchronized with the subject's computed sway angle velocity or it may be greater than the subject's sway angle velocity). For example, in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 46, the angular velocity of the visual surround portion 192 about the transverse axis TA_(VS) may be equal to the subject's sway angle velocity at the final dynamic condition.

In the modified SOT protocol, the force measurement assembly 102, and the subject disposed thereon, may be incrementally displaced in a manner similar to that described above for the screen image on the screen 168 and the visual surround portion 192. That is, the second actuator assembly 160 may be used to rotate the force measurement assembly 102, and the subject disposed thereon, at an incrementally higher angular velocity during the modified SOT protocol (see FIG. 2). At the commencement of the SOT protocol, the force measurement assembly 102, and the subject disposed thereon, are maintained in an initial static condition wherein the force measurement assembly 102 and the subject are stationary. Subsequent to the initial static condition, the force measurement assembly 102, and the subject disposed thereon, are rotated in accordance with a velocity value that incrementally increases over time as the SOT protocol progresses (e.g., the angular velocity value of the force measurement assembly 102 and the subject may be incremented by a predetermined amount every five (5) seconds so that the velocity value gets progressively higher as the SOT protocol progresses). While the modified SOT protocol is being performed, and the force measurement assembly 102 carrying the subject is gradually being displaced at an incrementally higher angular velocity, the performance of the subject or patient is evaluated in order to assess a postural stability of the subject (e.g., by evaluating the subject's center-of-pressure, center-of-gravity, and/or sway angle over time).

Similar to that described above for the displacement of the screen image and the visual surround portion 192, the rotational velocity (e.g., gain) of the force measurement assembly 102 carrying the subject may be gradually incremented over time from an initial static condition to a final dynamic condition. At the final dynamic condition, the force measurement assembly 102 carrying the subject is displaced at an angular velocity that is equal to, or greater than the subject's movement (e.g., the displacement velocity of the screen image may be synchronized with the subject's computed sway angle velocity or it may be greater than the subject's sway angle velocity). During the performance of the modified SOT protocol, the displacement velocity of either the screen image or the visual surround portion 192 may be generally equal to the angular displacement velocity of the force measurement assembly 102 and the subject (i.e., the force measurement assembly 102 and the subject disposed thereon may be displaced using an angular velocity that is synchronized with the displacement velocity of either the screen image or the visual surround portion 192).

Advantageously, because the velocity of the screen image, the visual surround portion 192, and/or the force measurement assembly 102 carrying the subject are incrementally increased during the performance of the modified SOT protocol, the SOT protocol is capable of being performed in a far more efficient manner. That is, rather than laboriously executing six separate conditions for fixed time durations, the protocol conditions are combined with one another so that it takes far less time to determine the actual performance of the subject. In one or more embodiments, the data acquisition/data processing device 104 of the force measurement system 100 may be specially programmed to determine the time duration of the SOT protocol in accordance with a quasi real-time assessment of the postural stability of the subject (e.g., by evaluating the subject's center-of-pressure, center-of-gravity, and/or sway angle over time). As such, when an accurate assessment of the subject's performance is obtained, the modified SOT protocol is simply concluded.

As explained above, the modified version of the SOT protocol combines two or more conditions with one another so as to more accurately and efficiently perform the test. For example, the first SOT condition described above may be combined with the third SOT condition. Similarly, the fourth SOT condition described above may be combined with the six SOT condition, while the second condition (blindfolded subject, stationary force measurement assembly 102) may be combined with the fifth SOT condition (blindfolded subject, displaced force measurement assembly 102). Also, in some embodiments, three conditions of the SOT protocol may be combined with one another. For example, the first, third, and sixth conditions of the SOT protocol may be combined with one another so that either the displacement velocity of the screen image or visual surround portion 192 is simultaneously incremented together with the angular displacement velocity of the force measurement assembly 102 and the subject disposed thereon. In one exemplary embodiment of the modified SOT protocol, the combined first, third, and sixth conditions of the SOT protocol may be performed initially, and then the combined second and fifth conditions may be performed thereafter. Also, because the subject's performance is evaluated in quasi real-time during the performance of the modified SOT protocol, the data acquisition/data processing device 104 of the force measurement system 100 may be specially programmed so as to automatically combine different sequences of conditions with one another based upon the subject's performance during the modified SOT protocol. Also, the data acquisition/data processing device 104 of the force measurement system 100 may be specially programmed so as to allow the system operator (e.g., a clinician) to select different conditions to be combined with one another while the subject or patient is executing the modified SOT protocol. That is, the system operator may monitor the subject's performance during the execution of the modified SOT protocol, and then select a particular sequence of conditions based upon that performance.

During the performance of the modified SOT protocol, it is to be understood that the screen images 276, 276′, which were described in conjunction with FIGS. 47 and 48 above, may be displayed on the generally hemispherical projection screen 168 while one or more of the conditions are being performed. For example, the screen images 276, 276′ of FIGS. 47 and 48 may be utilized during the performance of any combination of the first, third, fourth, and sixth conditions.

Also, in one or more alternative embodiments, during the performance of the balance test (e.g., the SOT protocol or modified SOT protocol described above), the subject or patient 108 may be outfitted with augmented reality glasses in order to perturb the subject's visual input during the performance of the balance test. For example, in these embodiments, the screen images 276, 276′ of FIGS. 47 and 48 may be displayed using the augmented reality glasses, rather than on the generally hemispherical projection screen 168. The augmented reality glasses may comprise one or more high-resolution liquid-crystal (LCD) displays (e.g., two (2) LCD displays) that generate a large virtual screen image (e.g., 60″ to 80″ virtual screen viewed from 10 feet) for the user, wherein the augmented reality glasses are capable of displaying both two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) video for the user thereof. The augmented reality glasses may further comprise one or more discrete video graphics array (VGA) cameras (e.g., two (2) VGA cameras) for capturing both two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) stereoscopic video images of the environment surrounding the user. In addition, the augmented reality glasses may comprise an inertial measurement unit (IMU) integrated therein, which comprises three (3) accelerometers, three (3) gyroscopes, and three (3) magnetometers for tracking the head movement of the user so that the user's current head direction and angle of view may be determined. Also, the augmented reality glasses may comprise one or more interfaces (e.g., high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) or a suitable wireless interface) that operatively connect the augmented reality glasses to an external data processing device (e.g., data acquisition/data processing device 104 or 330). It is to be understood that the augmented reality glasses worn by the subject or patient 108 during the performance of a balance test (e.g., the SOT protocol or modified SOT protocol) could achieve the same effect described above with regard to the images of FIGS. 47 and 48. Also, the augmented reality glasses may be worn by the subject or patient 108 while performing the modified SOT protocol described above so that the one or more images, which are displaced at incrementally higher velocities during the performance of the protocol, are displaced on a virtual output screen projected in front of the subject.

In these one or more alternative embodiments, the data acquisition/data processing device 330 may be specially programmed to alter, displace, or both alter and displace one or more video images of an environment surrounding the subject so that, when the one or more video images are displayed to the subject on the one or more visual displays of the augmented reality glasses, the one or more video images no longer depict an accurate representation of the environment surrounding the subject so as to perturb a visual input of the subject. For example, the data acquisition/data processing device 330 may be specially programmed to laterally, vertically, or rotationally displace the images of the environment surrounding the subject so that, when they are viewed by the subject using the one or more visual displays of the augmented reality glasses, the images of the environment are skewed relative to the actual environmental setting. As such, after being altered by the data acquisition/data processing device 330, the images of the environment surrounding the subject, as viewed by the subject through the augmented reality glasses, are visually distorted relative to the actual environment that the subject would see if he or she were looking directly at the environment and not wearing the augmented reality glasses. Thus, the manipulation of the images of the environment by the data acquisition/data processing device 330 results in the conveyance of a distorted view of reality to the subject, thereby perturbing the visual input of the subject.

In addition, in one or more alternative embodiments, it is to be understood that the augmented reality glasses may be used alone to perturb the subject's visual input, or in combination with a force measurement assembly (e.g., force measurement assembly 102 described herein). For example, the augmented reality glasses may be used to perturb the subject's visual input while the subject 108 is simultaneously displaced on the force measurement assembly 102 during the performance of a balance test, such as the SOT protocol or modified SOT protocol described herein.

In these one or more alternative embodiments, the data acquisition/data processing device 330 may also be specially programmed to perform the functionality that is illustrated in FIGS. 51A-51C. Initially, with reference to FIG. 51A, it can be seen that a subject 108 wearing augmented reality glasses 326 is disposed on a force measurement assembly 102′ (i.e., a force plate) in a generally upright position (i.e., so that a vertical reference axis passing through the subject 108 is perpendicular to the top surface of the force plate 102). In the configuration of FIG. 51A, the screen image 332 that is viewed by the subject 108 through the augmented reality glasses 326 matches the actual view of the scenery 334 that is captured by the one or more cameras 328 of the augmented reality glasses 326. That is, in FIG. 51A, the scenery that is disposed in front of the one or more cameras 328 of the augmented reality glasses 326, and in front of the subject 108, is not altered by the data acquisition/data processing device 330 that is operatively coupled to the augmented reality glasses 326. A reference line 340 is superimposed on each of the screen images 334, 336, 338 in FIGS. 51A, 51B, 51C in order to more clearly illustrate the manner in which the image captured by the camera 328 is shifted when the subject 108 is in the sway angle θ₁, θ₂ positions on the force plate 102′.

Next, turning to FIG. 51B, it can be seen that the subject 108 who is wearing the augmented reality glasses 326 and is disposed on the force measurement assembly 102′ (i.e., a force plate) is disposed in a rearwardly inclined sway angle position. That is, as illustrated in FIG. 51B, the longitudinal reference axis passing through the subject 108 is disposed at a rearward angle θ₂ relative to a vertical reference axis that is disposed perpendicular to the force plate top surface. In the configuration of FIG. 51B, the screen image 332 that is viewed by the subject 108 through the augmented reality glasses 326 does not match the actual view of the scenery 336 that is captured by the one or more cameras 328 of the augmented reality glasses 326. Rather, in the scenario illustrated by FIG. 51B, the data acquisition/data processing device 330 that is operatively coupled to the augmented reality glasses 326 is specially programmed to alter the actual view captured by the one or more cameras 328 of the augmented reality glasses 326 so that subject 108 sees the exact same view through the glasses 326 that he would see if he were standing in a straight upright position on the force plate 102′ (i.e., in the standing position of FIG. 51A). As such, by using the data acquisition/data processing device 330 to alter the actual view of the surrounding scenery that is captured by the one or more cameras 328 of the augmented reality glasses 326, the augmented reality system creates the illusion to the subject 108 that he has not moved at all (i.e., the subject's visual sense of perception is altered so that he is unable to perceive that he is disposed in a rearwardly inclined position). In the scenario of FIG. 51B, in order to make the screen image 332 that is viewed by the subject 108 through the augmented reality glasses 326 match the upright position image of FIG. 51A, the data acquisition/data processing device 330 is specially programmed to slightly enlarge and downwardly rotate the actual view of the scenery captured by the one or more cameras 328 of the augmented reality glasses 326 so as to correct for the rearwardly inclined orientation of the subject 108.

Next, turning to FIG. 51C, it can be seen that the subject 108 who is wearing the augmented reality glasses 326 and is disposed on the force measurement assembly 102′ (i.e., a force plate) is disposed in a forwardly inclined sway angle position. That is, as illustrated in FIG. 51C, the longitudinal reference axis passing through the subject 108 is disposed at a forward angle θ₁ relative to a vertical reference axis that is disposed perpendicular to the force plate top surface. In the configuration of FIG. 51C, the screen image 332 that is viewed by the subject 108 through the augmented reality glasses 326 does not match the actual view of the scenery 338 that is captured by the one or more cameras 328 of the augmented reality glasses 326. Rather, in the scenario illustrated by FIG. 51C, the data acquisition/data processing device 330 that is operatively coupled to the augmented reality glasses 326 is specially programmed to alter the actual view captured by the one or more cameras 328 of the augmented reality glasses 326 so that subject 108 sees the exact same view through the glasses 326 that he would see if he were standing in a straight upright position on the force plate 102′ (i.e., in the standing position of FIG. 51A). As such, as described above with respect to FIG. 51B, by using the data acquisition/data processing device 330 to alter the actual view of the surrounding scenery that is captured by the one or more cameras 328 of the augmented reality glasses 326, the augmented reality system creates the illusion to the subject 108 that he has not moved at all (i.e., the subject's visual sense of perception is altered so that he is unable to perceive that he is disposed in a forwardly inclined position). In the scenario of FIG. 51C, in order to make the screen image 332 that is viewed by the subject 108 through the augmented reality glasses 326 match the upright position image of FIG. 51A, the data acquisition/data processing device 330 is specially programmed to slightly decrease and upwardly rotate the actual view of the scenery captured by the one or more cameras 328 of the augmented reality glasses 326 so as to correct for the forwardly inclined orientation of the subject 108.

In further embodiments of the invention, the data acquisition/data processing device 104 is configured to control the movement of a game element of an interactive game displayed on the immersive subject visual display device 107 by using one or more numerical values determined from the output signals of the force transducers associated with the force measurement assembly 102. Referring to screen images 210, 210′, 218 illustrated in FIGS. 16-21 and 27, it can be seen that the game element may comprise, for example, an airplane 214, 214′ that can be controlled in a virtual reality environment 212, 212′ or a skier 222 that is controlled in a virtual reality environment 220. With particular reference to FIG. 16, because a subject 204 is disposed within the confines of the generally hemispherical projection screen 168 while playing the interactive game, he or she is completely immersed in the virtual reality environment 212. FIG. 16 illustrates a first variation of this interactive game, whereas FIGS. 17-21 illustrate a second variation of this interactive game (e.g., each variation of the game uses a different airplane 214, 214′ and different scenery). Although FIGS. 17-21 depict generally planar images, rather than a concave image projected on a generally hemispherical screen 168 as shown in FIG. 16, it is to be understood that the second variation of the interactive game (FIGS. 17-21) is equally capable of being utilized on a screen that at least partially surrounds a subject (e.g., a generally hemispherical projection screen 168). In the first variation of the interactive airplane game illustrated in FIG. 16, arrows 211 can be provided in order to guide the subject 204 towards a target in the game. For example, the subject 204 may be instructed to fly the airplane 214 through one or more targets (e.g., rings or hoops) in the virtual reality environment 212. When the airplane is flown off course by the subject 204, arrows 211 can be used to guide the subject 204 back to the general vicinity of the one or more targets.

With reference to FIGS. 25 and 26, a target in the form of a ring or hoop 216 is illustrated in conjunction with the second variation of the interactive airplane game. In this virtual reality scenario 212″, a subject is instructed to fly the airplane 214′ through the ring 216. In FIG. 25, the airplane 214′ is being displaced to the left by the subject through the ring 216, whereas, in FIG. 26, the airplane 214′ is being displaced to the right by the subject through the ring 216. Advantageously, the airplane simulation game is a type of training that is more interactive for the patient. An interactive type of training, such as the airplane simulation game, improves patient compliance by more effectively engaging the subject in the training. In addition, in order to further increase patient compliance, and ensure that the subject exerts his or her full effort, a leaderboard with scores may be utilized in the force measurement system 100. To help ensure subject performance comparisons that are fair to the participants, separate leaderboards may be utilized for different age brackets.

In some embodiments, the position of the rings or hoops 216 in the virtual reality scenario 212″ could be selectively displaceable in a plurality of different positions by a user or operator of the system 100. For example, the data acquisition/data processing device 104 could be specially programmed with a plurality of predetermined difficulty levels for the interactive airplane game. A novice difficulty level could be selected by the user or operator of the system 100 for a subject that requires a low level of difficulty. Upon selecting the novice difficulty level, the rings or hoops 216 would be placed in the easiest possible locations within the virtual reality scenario 212″. For a subject requiring a higher level of difficulty, the user or operator of the system 100 could select a moderate difficulty level, wherein the rings or hoops 216 are placed in locations that are more challenging than the locations used in the novice difficulty level. Finally, if a subject requires a maximum level of difficulty, the user or operator could select a high difficulty level, wherein the rings or hoops 216 are placed in extremely challenging locations in the virtual reality scenario 212″. In addition, in some embodiments, the position of the rings or hoops 216 in the virtual reality scenario 212″ could be randomly located by the data acquisition/data processing device 104 so that a subject undergoing multiple training sessions using the interactive airplane game would be unable to memorize the locations of the rings or hoops 216 in the scenario 212″, thereby helping to ensure the continued effectiveness of the training.

In yet a further embodiment of the invention, the interactive type of subject or patient training may comprise an interactive skiing game. For example, as illustrated in the screen image 218 of FIG. 27, the immersive virtual reality environment 220 may comprise a scenario wherein the subject controls a skier 222 on a downhill skiing course. Similar to the interactive airplane game described above, the interactive skiing game may comprise a plurality of targets in the forms of gates 224 that the subject is instructed to contact while skiing the downhill course. To make the interactive skiing game even more engaging for the subject, a plurality of game performance parameters may be listed on the screen image, such as the total distance traveled 226 (e.g., in meters), the skier's speed 228 (e.g., in kilometers per hour), and the skier's time 230 (e.g., in seconds).

In an illustrative embodiment, the one or more numerical values determined from the output signals of the force transducers associated with the force measurement assembly 102 comprise the center of pressure coordinates (x_(P), y_(P)) computed from the ground reaction forces exerted on the force plate assembly 102 by the subject. For example, with reference to the force plate coordinate axes 150, 152 of FIG. 7, when a subject leans to the left on the force measurement assembly 102′ (i.e., when the x-coordinate x_(P) of the center of pressure is positive), the airplane 214′ in the interactive airplane game is displaced to the left (see e.g., FIG. 18) or the skier 222 in the interactive skiing game is displaced to the left (see e.g., FIG. 27). Conversely, when a subject leans to the right on the force measurement assembly 102′ (i.e., when the x-coordinate x_(P) of the center of pressure is negative in FIG. 7), the airplane 214′ in the interactive airplane game is displaced to the right (see e.g., FIG. 19) or the skier 222 in the interactive skiing game is displaced to the right (see e.g., FIG. 27). When a subject leans forward on the force measurement assembly 102′ (i.e., when the y-coordinate y_(P) of the center of pressure is positive in FIG. 7), the altitude of the airplane 214′ in the interactive airplane game is increased (see e.g., FIG. 20) or the speed of the skier 222 in the interactive skiing game is increased (see e.g., FIG. 27). Conversely, when a subject leans backward on the force measurement assembly 102′ (i.e., when the y-coordinate y_(P) of the center of pressure is negative in FIG. 7), the altitude of the airplane 214′ in the interactive airplane game is decreased (see e.g., FIG. 21) or the speed of the skier 222 in the interactive skiing game is decreased (see e.g., FIG. 27).

In still a further embodiment, a force and motion measurement system is provided that includes both the force measurement system 100 described above together with a motion detection system 300 that is configured to detect the motion of one or more body gestures of a subject (see FIGS. 32 and 33). For example, during a particular training routine, a subject may be instructed to reach for different targets on the output screen 168. While the subject reaches for the different targets on the output screen 168, the motion detection system 300 detects the motion of the subject's body gestures (e.g., the motion detection system 300 tracks the movement of one of the subject's arms while reaching for an object on the output screen 168). As shown in FIG. 33, a subject 108 is provided with a plurality of markers 304 disposed thereon. These markers 304 are used to record the position of the limbs of the subject in 3-dimensional space. A plurality of cameras 302 are disposed in front of the subject visual display device 107 (and behind the subject 108), and are used to track the position of the markers 304 as the subject moves his or her limbs in 3-dimensional space. While three (3) cameras are depicted in FIGS. 32 and 33, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that more or less cameras can be utilized, provided that at least two cameras 302 are used. In one embodiment of the invention, the subject has a plurality of single markers applied to anatomical landmarks (e.g., the iliac spines of the pelvis, the malleoli of the ankle, and the condyles of the knee), or clusters of markers applied to the middle of body segments. As the subject 108 executes particular movements on the force measurement assembly 102, and within the hemispherical subject visual display device 107, the data acquisition/data processing device 104 calculates the trajectory of each marker 304 in three (3) dimensions. Then, once the positional data is obtained using the motion detection system 300 (i.e., the motion acquisition/capture system 300), inverse kinematics can be employed in order to determine the joint angles of the subject 108.

While the motion detection system 300 described above employs a plurality of markers 304, it is to be understood that the invention is not so limited. Rather, in another embodiment of the invention, a markerless motion detection/motion capture system is utilized. The markerless motion detection/motion capture system uses a plurality of high speed video cameras to record the motion of a subject without requiring any markers to be placed on the subject. Both of the aforementioned marker and markerless motion detection/motion capture systems are optical-based systems. In one embodiment, the optical motion detection/motion capture system 300 utilizes visible light, while in another alternative embodiment, the optical motion detection/motion capture system 300 employs infrared light (e.g., the system 300 could utilize an infrared (IR) emitter to project a plurality of dots onto objects in a particular space as part of a markerless motion capture system). For example, as shown in FIG. 50, a motion capture device 318 with one or more cameras 320, one or more infrared (IR) depth sensors 322, and one or more microphones 324 may be used to provide full-body three-dimensional (3D) motion capture, facial recognition, and voice recognition capabilities. It is also to be understood that, rather than using an optical motion detection/capture system, a suitable magnetic or electro-mechanical motion detection/capture system can also be employed in the system 100 described herein.

In some embodiments, the motion detection system 300, which is shown in FIGS. 32 and 33, is used to determine positional data (i.e., three-dimensional coordinates) for one or more body gestures of the subject 108 during the performance of a simulated task of daily living. The one or more body gestures of the subject 108 may comprise at least one of: (i) one or more limb movements of the subject, (ii) one or more torso movements of the subject, and (iii) a combination of one or more limb movements and one or more torso movements of the subject 108. In order to simulate a task of daily living, one or more virtual reality scenes can be displayed on the subject visual display device 107. One such exemplary virtual reality scene is illustrated in FIG. 37. As illustrated in the screen image 244 of FIG. 37, the immersive virtual reality environment 246 simulating the task of daily living could comprise a scenario wherein a subject 204 is removing an object 248 (e.g., a cereal box) from a kitchen cabinet 250. While the subject 204 is performing this simulated task, the data acquisition/data processing device 104 could quantify the performance of the subject 204 during the execution of the task (e.g., removing the cereal box 248 from the kitchen cabinet 250) by analyzing the motion of the subject's left arm 252, as measured by the motion detection system 300. For example, by utilizing the positional data obtained using the motion detection system 300, the data acquisition/data processing device 104 could compute the three-dimensional (3-D) trajectory of the subject's left arm 252 through space. The computation of the 3-D trajectory of the subject's left arm 252 is one exemplary means by which the data acquisition/data processing device 104 is able to quantify the performance of a subject during the execution of a task of daily living. At the onset of the training for a subject 204, the 3-D trajectory of the subject's left arm 252 may indicate that the subject 204 is taking an indirect path (i.e., a zigzag path or jagged path 256 indicated using dashed lines) in reaching for the cereal box 248 (e.g., the subject's previous injury may be impairing his or her ability to reach for the cereal box 248 in the most efficient manner). However, after the subject 204 has been undergoing training for a continuous period of time, the 3-D trajectory of the subject's left arm 252 may indicate that the subject 204 is taking a more direct path (i.e., an approximately straight line path 254) in reaching for the cereal box 248 (e.g., the training may be improving the subject's ability to reach for the cereal box 248 in an efficient fashion). As such, based upon a comparison of the subject's left arm trajectory paths, a physical therapist treating the subject or patient 204 may conclude that the subject's condition is improving over time. Thus, advantageously, the motion detection system 300 enables a subject's movement to be analyzed during a task of daily living so that a determination can be made as to whether or not the subject's condition is improving.

Moreover, in other embodiments, the motion detection system 300 may also be used to determine the forces and/or moments acting on the joints of a subject 108. In particular, FIG. 34 diagrammatically illustrates an exemplary calculation procedure 400 for the joint angles, velocities, and accelerations carried out by the force and motion measurement system that includes the motion detection system 300 depicted in FIGS. 32 and 33. Initially, as shown in block 402 of FIG. 34, the plurality of cameras 302 are calibrated using the image coordinates of calibration markers and the three-dimensional (3-D) relationship of calibration points such that a plurality of calibration parameters are generated. In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, the calibration of the plurality of cameras 302 is performed using a Direct Linear Transformation (“DLT”) technique and yields eleven (11) DLT parameters. However, it is to be understood that, in other embodiments of the invention, a different technique can be used to calibrate the plurality of cameras 302. Then, in block 404, the perspective projection of the image coordinates of the body markers 304 is performed using the calibration parameters so that the image coordinates are transformed into actual three-dimensional (3-D) coordinates of the body markers 304. Because the digitization of the marker images involves a certain amount of random error, a digital filter is preferably applied to the three-dimensional (3-D) coordinates of the markers to remove the inherent noise in block 406. Although, it is to be understood that the use of a digital filter is optional, and thus is omitted in some embodiments of the invention. In block 408, local coordinate systems are utilized to determine the orientation of the body segments relative to each other. After which, in block 410, rotational parameters (e.g., angles, axes, matrices, etc.) and the inverse kinematics model are used to determine the joint angles. The inverse kinematics model contains the details of how the angles are defined, such as the underlying assumptions that are made regarding the movement of the segments relative to each other. For example, in the inverse kinematics model, the hip joint could be modeled as three separate revolute joints acting in the frontal, horizontal, and sagittal plane, respectively. In block 412, differentiation is used to determine the joint velocities and accelerations from the joint angles. Although, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that, in other embodiments of the invention, both differentiation and analytical curve fitting could be used to determine the joint velocities and accelerations from the joint angles.

In addition, FIG. 34 diagrammatically illustrates the calculation procedure for the joint forces and moments that is also carried out by the force and motion measurement system, which comprises the force measurement system 100 and motion detection system 300 of FIGS. 32-33. Referring again to this figure, antrophometric data is applied to a segment model in block 416 in order to determine the segment inertial parameters. By using the segment inertial parameters together with the joint velocities and accelerations and the force plate measurements, joint and body segment kinetics are used in block 414 to determine the desired joint forces and moments. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, Newton-Euler Formulations are used to compute the joint forces and moments. However, it is to be understood that the invention is not so limited. Rather, in other embodiments of the invention, the kinetics analysis could be carried out using a different series of equations. In order to more clearly illustrate the requisite calculations for determining the joint forces and moments, the determination of the joint reaction forces and joint moments of the subject will be explained using an exemplary joint of the body.

In particular, the computation of the joint reaction forces and joint moments of the subject will be described in reference to an exemplary determination of the forces and moments acting on the ankle. The force measurement assembly 102 is used to determine the ground reaction forces and moments associated with the subject being measured. These ground reaction forces and moments are used in conjunction with the joint angles computed from the inverse kinematics analysis in order to determine the net joint reaction forces and net joint moments of the subject. In particular, inverse dynamics is used to calculate the net joint reaction forces and net joint moments of the subject by using the computed joint angles, angular velocities, and angular accelerations of a musculoskeletal model, together with the ground reaction forces and moments measured by the force measurement assembly 102.

An exemplary calculation of the forces and moments at the ankle joint will be explained with reference to the foot diagram of FIG. 35 and the free body diagram 500 depicted in FIG. 36. In FIGS. 35 and 36, the ankle joint 502 is diagrammatically represented by the point “A”, whereas the gravitational center 504 of the foot is diagrammatically represented by the circular marker labeled “GF”. In this figure, the point of application for the ground reaction forces {right arrow over (F)}_(Gr) (i.e., the center of pressure 506) is diagrammatically represented by the point “P” in the free body diagram 500. The force balance equation and the moment balance equation for the ankle are as follows: m _(F) ·{right arrow over (a)} _(GF) ={right arrow over (F)} _(Gr) +{right arrow over (F)} _(A)  (4) {hacek over (J)} _(F){right arrow over ({dot over (ω)})}_(F) ×{hacek over (J)} _(F){right arrow over (ω)}_(F) ={right arrow over (M)} _(A) +{right arrow over (T)}+({right arrow over (r)} _(GA) ×{right arrow over (F)} _(A))+({right arrow over (r)} _(GP) ×{right arrow over (F)} _(Gr))  (5) where: m_(F): mass of the foot {right arrow over (a)}_(GF): acceleration of the gravitational center of the foot {right arrow over (F)}_(Gr): ground reaction forces {right arrow over (F)}_(A): forces acting on the ankle {hacek over (J)}_(F): rotational inertia of the foot {right arrow over ({dot over (ω)})}_(F): angular acceleration of the foot {right arrow over (ω)}_(F): angular velocity of the foot {right arrow over (M)}_(A): moments acting on the ankle {right arrow over (T)}: torque acting on the foot {right arrow over (r)}_(GA): position vector from the gravitational center of the foot to the center of the ankle {right arrow over (r)}_(GP): position vector from the gravitational center of the foot to the center of pressure

In above equations (4) and (5), the ground reaction forces {right arrow over (F)}_(Gr) are equal in magnitude and opposite in direction to the externally applied forces {right arrow over (F)}_(e) that the body exerts on the supporting surface through the foot (i.e., {right arrow over (F)}_(Gr)=−{right arrow over (F)}_(e)).

Then, in order to solve for the desired ankle forces and moments, the terms of equations (4) and (5) are rearranged as follows: {right arrow over (F)} _(A) =m _(F) ·{right arrow over (a)} _(GF) −{right arrow over (F)} _(Gr)  (6) {right arrow over (M)} _(A) ={hacek over (J)} _(F){right arrow over ({dot over (ω)})}_(F)+{right arrow over (ω)}_(F) ×{hacek over (J)} _(F){right arrow over (ω)}_(F) −{right arrow over (T)}−({right arrow over (r)} _(GA) ×{right arrow over (F)} _(A))−({right arrow over (r)} _(GP) ×{right arrow over (F)} ^(Gr))  (7)

By using the above equations, the magnitude and directions of the ankle forces and moments can be determined. The net joint reaction forces and moments for the other joints in the body can be computed in a similar manner.

In an alternative embodiment, the motion detection system that is provided in conjunction with the force measurement system 100 may comprise a plurality of inertial measurement units (IMUs), rather than taking the form of a marker-based or markerless motion capture system. As described above for the motion detection system 300, the IMU-based motion detection system 300′ may be used to detect the motion of one or more body gestures of a subject (see e.g., FIG. 49). As shown in FIG. 49, a subject or patient 108 may be provided with a plurality of inertial measurement units 306 disposed thereon. The one or more body gestures of the subject 108 may comprise one or more limb movements of the subject, one or more torso movements of the subject, or a combination of one or more limb movements and one or more torso movements of the subject.

As shown in FIG. 49, a subject or patient 108 may be outfitted with a plurality of different inertial measurement units 306 for detecting motion. In the illustrative embodiment, the subject 108 is provided with two (2) inertial measurement units 306 on each of his legs 108 a, 108 b (e.g., on the side of his legs 108 a, 108 b). The subject is also provided with two (2) inertial measurement units 306 on each of his arms 108 c, 108 d (e.g., on the side of his arms 108 c, 108 d). In addition, the subject 108 of FIG. 49 is provided with an inertial measurement unit 306 around his waist (e.g., with the IMU located on the back side of the subject 108), and another inertial measurement unit 306 around his or her chest (e.g., with the IMU located on the front side of the subject 108 near his sternum). In the illustrated embodiment, each of the inertial measurement units 306 is operatively coupled to the data acquisition/data processing device 104 by wireless means, such as Bluetooth, or another suitable type of personal area network wireless means.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 49, each of the inertial measurement units 306 is coupled to the respective body portion of the subject 108 by a band 308. As shown in FIG. 49, each of the inertial measurement units 306 comprises an IMU housing 310 attached to an elastic band 308. The band 308 is resilient so that it is capable of being stretched while being placed on the subject 108 (e.g., to accommodate the hand or the foot of the subject 108 before it is fitted in place on the arm 108 c, 108 d or the leg 108 a, 108 b of the subject 108). The band 308 can be formed from any suitable stretchable fabric, such as neoprene, spandex, and elastane. Alternatively, the band 308 could be formed from a generally non-stretchable fabric, and be provided with latching means or clasp means for allowing the band 308 to be split into two portions (e.g., the band 308 could be provided with a snap-type latching device).

In other embodiments, it is possible to attach the inertial measurement units 306 to the body portions of the subject 108 using other suitable attachment means. For example, the inertial measurement units 306 may be attached to a surface (e.g., the skin or clothing item of the subject 108 using adhesive backing means. The adhesive backing means may comprise a removable backing member that is removed just prior to the inertial measurement unit 306 being attached to a subject 108 or object. Also, in some embodiments, the adhesive backing means may comprise a form of double-sided bonding tape that is capable of securely attaching the inertial measurement unit 306 to the subject 108 or another object.

In one or more embodiments, each inertial measurement unit 306 may comprise a triaxial (three-axis) accelerometer sensing linear acceleration {right arrow over (a)}′, a triaxial (three-axis) rate gyroscope sensing angular velocity {right arrow over (ω)}′, a triaxial (three-axis) magnetometer sensing the magnetic north vector {right arrow over (n)}′, and a central control unit or microprocessor operatively coupled to each of accelerometer, gyroscope, and the magnetometer. In addition, each inertial measurement unit 306 may comprise a wireless data interface for electrically coupling the inertial measurement unit 306 to the data acquisition/data processing device 104.

In one or more embodiments, the motion of the subject 108 may be detected by the plurality of inertial measurement units 306 while one or more images are displayed on the hemispherical projection screen 168 of the subject visual display device 107. The one or more images that are displayed on the screen 168 may comprise one or more simulated tasks, interactive games, training exercises, or balance tests. The data acquisition/data processing device 104 is specially programmed to quantify the performance of a subject 108 during the execution of the one or more simulated tasks, interactive games, training exercises, or balance tests by analyzing the motion of the one or more body gestures of the subject 108 detected by the plurality of inertial measurement units 306.

For example, as described above with regard to the motion detection system 300, the inertial measurement units 306 of the motion detection system 300′ may be used to determine positional data (i.e., three-dimensional coordinates) for one or more body gestures of the subject 108 during the performance of a simulated task of daily living. In order to simulate a task of daily living, one or more virtual reality scenes can be displayed on the subject visual display device 107. One such exemplary virtual reality scene is illustrated in FIG. 50. As illustrated in the screen image 244′ of FIG. 50, the immersive virtual reality environment 246′ simulating the task of daily living could comprise a scenario wherein a subject 204′ is pointing and/or grabbing towards an object 248′ (e.g., a cereal box) that he is about ready to grasp from a kitchen cabinet 250′. While the subject 204′ is performing this simulated task, the data acquisition/data processing device 104 may quantify the performance of the subject 204′ during the execution of the task (e.g., reaching for, and removing the cereal box 248′ from the kitchen cabinet 250′) by analyzing the motion of the subject's right arm 251, as measured by the motion detection system 300′. For example, by utilizing the positional data obtained using the motion detection system 300′ (with inertial measurement units (IMUs) 306), the data acquisition/data processing device 104 may compute the three-dimensional (3-D) position and orientation of the subject's right arm 251 in space. The computation of the 3-D position and orientation of the subject's right arm 251 is one exemplary means by which the data acquisition/data processing device 104 is able to quantify the performance of a subject during the execution of a task of daily living. Thus, advantageously, the motion detection system 300′ enables a subject's movement to be quantified and analyzed during a task of daily living.

Next, an illustrative manner in which the data acquisition/data processing device 104 of the force measurement system 100 performs the inertial measurement unit (IMU) calculations will be explained in detail. In particular, this calculation procedure will describe the manner in which the orientation and position of one or more body portions (e.g., limbs) of a subject 108, 204′ could be determined using the signals from the plurality of inertial measurement units (IMUs) 306 of the motion detection system 300′. As explained above, in one or more embodiments, each inertial measurement unit 306 includes the following three triaxial sensor devices: (i) a three-axis accelerometer sensing linear acceleration {right arrow over (a)}′, (ii) a three-axis rate gyroscope sensing angular velocity {right arrow over (ω)}′, and (iii) a three-axis magnetometer sensing the magnetic north vector {right arrow over (n)}′. Each inertial measurement unit 306 senses in the local (primed) frame of reference attached to the IMU itself. Because each of the sensor devices in each IMU is triaxial, the vectors {right arrow over (a)}′, {right arrow over (ω)}′, {right arrow over (n)}′ are each 3-component vectors. A prime symbol is used in conjunction with each of these vectors to symbolize that the measurements are taken in accordance with the local reference frame. The unprimed vectors that will be described hereinafter are in the global reference frame.

The objective of these calculations is to find the orientation {right arrow over (θ)}(t) and position {right arrow over (R)}(t) in the global, unprimed, inertial frame of reference. Initially, the calculation procedure begins with a known initial orientation {right arrow over (θ)}₀ and position {right arrow over (R)}₀ in the global frame of reference.

For the purposes of the calculation procedure, a right-handed coordinate system is assumed for both global and local frames of reference. The global frame of reference is attached to the Earth. The acceleration due to gravity is assumed to be a constant vector {right arrow over (g)}. Also, for the purposes of the calculations presented herein, it is presumed the sensor devices of the inertial measurement units (IMUs) provide calibrated data. In addition, all of the signals from the IMUs are treated as continuous functions of time. Although, it is to be understood the general form of the equations described herein may be readily discretized to account for IMU sensor devices that take discrete time samples from a bandwidth-limited continuous signal.

The orientation {right arrow over (θ)}(t) is obtained by single integration of the angular velocity as follows: {right arrow over (θ)}(t)={right arrow over (θ)}₀+∫₀ ^(t) {right arrow over (ω)}(t)dt  (8) {right arrow over (θ)}(t)={right arrow over (θ)}₀+∫₀ ^(t){right arrow over (Θ)}(t) {right arrow over (ω)}′(t)dt  (9) where {right arrow over (Θ)}(t) is the matrix of the rotation transformation that rotates the instantaneous local frame of reference into the global frame of reference.

The position is obtained by double integration of the linear acceleration in the global reference frame. The triaxial accelerometer of each IMU senses the acceleration {right arrow over (a)}′ in the local reference frame. The acceleration {right arrow over (a)}′ has the following contributors: (i) the acceleration due to translational motion, (ii) the acceleration of gravity, and (iii) the centrifugal, Coriolis and Euler acceleration due to rotational motion. All but the first contributor has to be removed as a part of the change of reference frames. The centrifugal and Euler accelerations are zero when the acceleration measurements are taken at the origin of the local reference frame. The first integration gives the linear velocity as follows: {right arrow over (ν)}(t)={right arrow over (ν)}+∫ ₀ ^(t) {{right arrow over (a)}(t)−{right arrow over (g)}}dt  (10) {right arrow over (ν)}(t)={right arrow over (ν)} ₀+∫₀ ^(t){{right arrow over (Θ)}(t)[{right arrow over (a)}′(t)+2{right arrow over (ω)}′×{right arrow over (ν)}′(t)]−{right arrow over (g)}}dt  (11) where 2{right arrow over (ω)}′×{right arrow over (ν)}′(t) is the Coriolis term, and where the local linear velocity is given by the following equation: {right arrow over (ν)}′(t)={right arrow over (Θ)}⁻¹(t){right arrow over (ν)}(t)  (12) The initial velocity {right arrow over (ν)}₀ can be taken to be zero if the motion is being measured for short periods of time in relation to the duration of Earth's rotation. The second integration gives the position as follows: {right arrow over (R)}(t)={right arrow over (R)} ₀+∫₀ ^(t) {right arrow over (ν)}(t)dt  (13)

At the initial position, the IMU's local-to-global rotation's matrix has an initial value {right arrow over (Θ)}(0)≡{right arrow over (Θ)}₀. This value can be derived by knowing the local and global values of both the magnetic north vector and the acceleration of gravity. Those two vectors are usually non-parallel. This is the requirement for the {right arrow over (Θ)}₀({right arrow over (g)}′,{right arrow over (n)}′,{right arrow over (g)},{right arrow over (n)}) to be unique. The knowledge of either of those vectors in isolation gives a family of non-unique solutions {right arrow over (Θ)}₀({right arrow over (g)}′,{right arrow over (g)}) or {right arrow over (Θ)}₀({right arrow over (n)}′,{right arrow over (n)}) that are unconstrained in one component of rotation. The {right arrow over (Θ)}₀({right arrow over (g)}′,{right arrow over (n)}′,{right arrow over (g)},{right arrow over (n)}) has many implementations, with the common one being the Kabsch algorithm. As such, using the calculation procedure described above, the data acquisition/data processing device 104 of the force measurement system 100 may determine the orientation {right arrow over (θ)}(t) and position {right arrow over (R)}(t) of one or more body portions of the subject 108, 204′. For example, the orientation of a limb of the subject 108, 204′ (e.g., the right arm 251 of the subject 204′ in FIG. 50) may be determined by computing the orientation {right arrow over (θ)}(t) and position {right arrow over (R)}(t) of two points on the limb of the subject 108, 204′ (i.e., at the respective locations of two inertial measurement units (IMUs) 306 disposed on the limb of the subject 108, 204′).

Referring again to FIG. 50, it can be seen that the subject 204′ is also provided with an eye movement tracking device 312 that is configured to track the eye movement of the subject 204′ while he performs the one or more simulated tasks, interactive games, training exercises, or balance tests. The eye movement tracking device 312 is utilized in conjunction with the motion detection system 300′. For example, in the virtual reality environment 246′ of FIG. 50, the eye movement tracking device 312 may be used to determine whether or not the eyes of the subject 204′ are properly directed at the object 248′ (e.g., cereal box) that is about to be grasped by the subject 204′. The eye movement tracking device 312 may be in the form of the eye movement tracking devices described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,113,237 and 6,152,564, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. The eye movement tracking device 312 is configured to output one or more signals that are representative of the detected eye movement of the subject 204′ (e.g., the saccadic eye movement of the subject). As explained above, the eye movement tracking device 312 may be operatively connected to the input/output (I/O) module of the programmable logic controller 172, which in turn, is operatively connected to the data acquisition/data processing device 104. As such, using the output signals from the eye movement tracking device 312, the data acquisition/data processing device 104 may be specially programmed to determine one or more eye directions of the subject 204′ (as diagrammatically indicated by dashed line 342 in FIG. 50) during the performance of the one or more simulated tasks, interactive games, training exercises, or balance tests.

In addition, the data acquisition/data processing device 104 may be specially programmed to determine a position of one or more objects (e.g., the cereal box 248′ in FIG. 50) in the one or more scene images 244′ of the visual display device. Once the position of the one or more objects on the screen of the visual display device are determined, the data acquisition/data processing device 104 may be further specially programmed to compare the one or more eye directions of the subject 204′ (as detected by the eye movement tracking device 312) to the position of one or more objects on the screen of visual display device (e.g., by using a ray casting technique to project the imaginary sight line 342 in FIG. 50 determined by the eye movement tracking device 312) towards one or more objects (e.g., the cereal box 248′) in a virtual world. That is, one or more objects (e.g., the cereal box 248′) displayed on the visual display device may be mapped into the virtual environment so that an intersection or collision between the projected sight line 342 and the one or more objects may be determined. Alternatively, or in addition to, comparing the one or more eye directions of the subject to the position of one or more objects on the screen, the data acquisition/data processing device 104 may be specially programmed to compute a time delay between a movement of the one or more objects (e.g., the cereal box 248′) in the one or more scene images of the visual display device and a change in the eye direction of the subject 204′. For example, the data acquisition/data processing device 104 may be specially programmed to move or displace the object across the screen, then subsequently determine how much time elapses (e.g., in seconds) before the subject changes his or her eye direction in response to the movement of the object. In an exemplary scenario, a clinician may instruct a patient to continually direct his or her eyes at a particular object on the screen. When the object is displaced on the screen, the time delay (or reaction time of the subject) would be a measure of how long it takes the subject to change the direction of his or her eyes in response to the movement of the object on the screen (i.e., so the subject is still staring at that particular object).

When utilizing the eye movement tracking device 312, the data acquisition/data processing device 104 may be specially programmed to assess a performance of the subject 204′ while performing one or more simulated tasks, interactive games, training exercises, or balance tests using the comparison of the one or more eye directions of the subject 204′ to the position of one or more objects or the computed time delay of the subject 204′. For example, if the comparison between the one or more eye directions of the subject 204′ to the position of one or more objects reveals that there is a large distance (e.g., 10 inches or more) between the projected sight line 342 of the subject's eye direction and the position determined for the one or more objects on the screen of the visual display device, then the data acquisition/data processing device 104 may determine that the performance of the subject 204′ during the one or more simulated tasks, interactive games, training exercises, or balance tests is below a baseline normative value (i.e., below average performance). Conversely, if the comparison between the one or more eye directions of the subject 204′ to the position of one or more objects reveals that there is a small distance (e.g., 3 inches or less) between the projected sight line 342 of the subject's eye direction and the position determined for the one or more objects on the screen of the visual display device, then the data acquisition/data processing device 104 may determine that the performance of the subject 204′ during the one or more simulated tasks, interactive games, training exercises, or balance tests is above a baseline normative value (i.e., above average performance). Similarly, if the computed time delay between a movement of the one or more objects on the screen of the visual display device and a change in the subject's eye direction is large (e.g., a large time delay of 1 second or more), then the data acquisition/data processing device 104 may determine that the performance of the subject 204′ during the one or more simulated tasks, interactive games, training exercises, or balance tests is below a baseline normative value (i.e., below average performance). Conversely, if the computed time delay between a movement of the one or more objects on the screen of the visual display device and a change in the subject's eye direction is small (e.g., a small time delay of 0.25 seconds or less), then the data acquisition/data processing device 104 may determine that the performance of the subject 204′ during the one or more simulated tasks, interactive games, training exercises, or balance tests is above a baseline normative value (i.e., above average performance).

Also, as illustrated in FIG. 50, the subject 204′ is provided with a scene camera 314 mounted to the eye movement tracking device 312 so that a gaze direction of the subject may be determined together with the one or more eye directions of the subject 204′, which are determined using the eye movement tracking device 312. The scene camera 314 records the gaze direction of the subject 204′ in relation to a video being captured by a forward facing head-mounted camera. Similar to the eye movement tracking device 312, the scene camera 314 may be operatively connected to the input/output (I/O) module of the programmable logic controller 172, which in turn, is operatively connected to the data acquisition/data processing device 104. As such, using the one or more output signals from the scene camera 314, the data acquisition/data processing device 104 may be specially programmed to determine the gaze direction of the subject 204′ during the performance of the one or more simulated tasks, interactive games, training exercises, or balance tests. For example, in the virtual reality environment 246′ of FIG. 50, the scene camera 314 may be used to determine whether or not the gaze direction of the subject 204′ is properly directed at the object 248′ (e.g., cereal box) that is about to be grasped by the subject 204′.

Turning once again to FIG. 50, it can be seen that an inertial measurement unit 306 may also be disposed on the head of the subject 204′ so that a head position and orientation of the subject 204′ is capable of being determined together with the one or more eye directions of the subject 204′ determined using the eye movement tracking device 312, and the gaze direction of the subject 204′ determined using the scene camera 314. As such, using the one or more output signals from the head-mounted inertial measurement unit 306, the data acquisition/data processing device 104 may be specially programmed to calculate the head position and orientation of the subject 204′ during the performance of the one or more simulated tasks, interactive games, training exercises, or balance tests (i.e., by using the calculation procedure described above for the IMUs 306). For example, in the virtual reality environment 246′ of FIG. 50, the head-mounted inertial measurement unit 306 may be used to determine whether or not the head of the subject 204′ is properly pointing toward the object 248′ (e.g., cereal box) that is about to be grasped by the subject 204′.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 50, the subject 204′ may also be provided with an instrumented motion capture glove 316 on his right hand in order to detect one or more finger motions of the subject while the subject performs the one or more simulated tasks, interactive games, training exercises, or balance tests. The instrumented motion capture glove 316 may comprise a plurality of different sensor devices, which may include a plurality of finger flexion or bend sensors on each finger, a plurality of abduction sensors, one or more palm-arch sensors, one or more sensors measuring thumb crossover, one or more wrist flexion sensors, and one or more wrist abduction sensors. The sensor devices of the instrumented motion capture glove 316 may be attached to an elastic material that fits over the hand of the subject 204′, which permits the subject 204′ to manipulate his hand without any substantial decrease in mobility due the instrumented glove 316. The instrumented motion capture glove 316 outputs a plurality of signals that are representative of the detected finger movement of the subject 204′. The instrumented motion capture glove 316 may be operatively connected to the data acquisition/data processing device 104 of the force measurement system 100. The data acquisition/data processing device 104 may be specially programmed to determine the finger positions and orientations of the subject during the performance of the one or more simulated tasks, interactive games, training exercises, or balance tests using the plurality of signals outputted by the instrumented motion capture glove 316 (e.g., by executing calculations similar to those described above for the IMUs). In the illustrated embodiment, the instrumented motion capture glove 316 is operatively connected to the data acquisition/data processing device 104 by wireless means, such as Bluetooth, or another suitable type of personal area network wireless means.

In a further embodiment, a measurement and analysis system is provided that generally includes a visual display device together with an eye movement tracking device 312 and a data acquisition/data processing device 104. The eye movement tracking device 312 functions in the same manner described above with regard to the preceding embodiments. In addition, the measurement and analysis system may also comprise the scene camera 314 and the head-mounted inertial measurement unit 306 explained above.

In yet a further embodiment, a measurement and analysis system is provided that generally includes a visual display device having an output screen, the visual display device configured to display one or more scene images on the output screen so that the images are viewable by a subject; an object position detection system, the object position detection system configured to detect a position of a body portion of a subject 108, 204′ and output one or more first signals representative of the detected position; and a data acquisition/data processing device 104 operatively coupled to the visual display device and the object position detection system. In this further embodiment, the object position detection system may comprise one or more of the following: (i) one or more inertial measurement units 306 (e.g., see FIGS. 49 and 50), (ii) a touchscreen interface of the visual display device 130 (e.g., see FIG. 1), (iii) one or more infrared (IR) sensing devices 322 (e.g., see FIG. 50), and (iv) one or more cameras (e.g., see FIGS. 32 and 33).

In this further embodiment, the data acquisition/data processing device 104 is specially programmed to receive the one or more first signals that are representative of the position of the body portion (e.g., an arm) of the subject 108, 204′ and to compute the position, orientation, or both the position and orientation, of the body portion (e.g., the arm) of the subject 108, 204′ using the one or more first signals. For example, the data acquisition/data processing device 104 may be specially programmed to determine the position and orientation of an arm of the subject 108, 204′ using the output signals from a plurality of inertial measurement units 306 attached along the length of the subject's arm (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 50). As explained above, the positional coordinates of the subject's arm may be initially determined relative to a local coordinate system, and then subsequently transformed to a global coordinate system. In addition, the data acquisition/data processing device 104 may be specially programmed to determine a position of one or more objects (e.g., the cereal box 248′ in FIG. 50) in the one or more scene images 244′ of the visual display device. For example, the pixel coordinates (x pixels by y pixels) defining the position of the object (e.g., the cereal box 248′) on the screen may be transformed into dimensional coordinates (e.g., x inches by y inches) using the physical size of the screen (e.g., 40 inches by 30 inches). As such, the position of the object (e.g., the cereal box 248′) on the screen may be defined in terms of a global coordinate system having an origin at the center of the visual display device. Also, the positional coordinates of the subject's arm may be transformed such that they are also defined in accordance with the same global coordinate system having its origin at the center of the visual display device.

Once the position and/or orientation of the body portion (e.g., the arm) of the subject 108, 204′ and the position of the one or more objects on the screen of the visual display device are defined relative to the same coordinate system, the data acquisition/data processing device 104 may be further specially programmed to compute a difference value between the computed position and/or orientation of the body portion (e.g., the arm) of the subject and the position determined for the one or more objects on the screen of the visual display device. For example, the data acquisition/data processing device 104 may compute a distance value between the coordinates of the arm of the subject and the coordinates of the one or more objects on the screen in order to assess how close the subject's arm is to the intended object (e.g., the cereal box 248′) on the screen (e.g., to determine if he or she is pointing at, or reaching for, the correct object on the screen). Alternatively, or in addition to, computing the difference value, the data acquisition/data processing device 104 may be specially programmed to compute a time delay between a movement of the one or more objects on the screen of the visual display device and a movement of the body portion (e.g., an arm) of the subject. For example, the data acquisition/data processing device 104 may be specially programmed to move or displace the object across the screen, then subsequently determine how much time elapses (e.g., in seconds) before the subject moves his or her arm in response to the movement of the object. In an exemplary scenario, a clinician may instruct a patient to continually point to a particular object on the screen. When the object is displaced on the screen, the time delay (or reaction time of the subject) would be a measure of how long it takes the subject to move his or her arm in response to the movement of the object on the screen (i.e., so the subject is still pointing at that particular object).

In this further embodiment, the data acquisition/data processing device 104 may be specially programmed to utilize a ray casting technique in order to project an imaginary arm vector of the subject 204′, the orientation and position of which may be determined using the output signal(s) from one or more inertial measurement units 306 on the arm of the subject 204′ (see FIG. 50), towards one or more objects (e.g., the cereal box 248′) in a virtual world. That is, one or more objects (e.g., the cereal box 248′) displayed on the visual display device may be mapped into the virtual environment so that an intersection or collision between the projected arm vector and the one or more objects may be determined. As such, in one exemplary scenario, the data acquisition/data processing device 104 is capable of determining whether or not a subject 204′ is correctly pointing his or her arm in the direction of a particular object (e.g., cereal box 248′) on the screen of the visual display device.

Also, in this further embodiment, the data acquisition/data processing device 104 may be specially programmed to assess a performance of the subject 204′ while performing one or more simulated tasks, interactive games, training exercises, or balance tests using the computed difference value or the computed time delay of the subject 204′. For example, if the computed difference value between the calculated position and/or orientation of the body portion (e.g., the arm) of the subject and the position determined for the one or more objects on the screen of the visual display device is large (i.e., a large distance of 20 inches or more), then the data acquisition/data processing device 104 may determine that the performance of the subject 204′ during the one or more simulated tasks, interactive games, training exercises, or balance tests is below a baseline normative value (i.e., below average performance). Conversely, if the computed difference value between the calculated position and/or orientation of the body portion (e.g., the arm) of the subject and the position determined for the one or more objects on the screen of the visual display device is small (i.e., a small distance of 3 inches or less), then the data acquisition/data processing device 104 may determine that the performance of the subject 204′ during the one or more simulated tasks, interactive games, training exercises, or balance tests is above a baseline normative value (i.e., above average performance). Similarly, if the computed time delay between a movement of the one or more objects on the screen of the visual display device and a movement of the body portion (e.g., an arm) of the subject is large (i.e., a large time delay of 1 second or more), then the data acquisition/data processing device 104 may determine that the performance of the subject 204′ during the one or more simulated tasks, interactive games, training exercises, or balance tests is below a baseline normative value (i.e., below average performance). Conversely, if the computed time delay between a movement of the one or more objects on the screen of the visual display device and a movement of the body portion (e.g., an arm) of the subject is small (i.e., a small time delay of 0.2 seconds or less), then the data acquisition/data processing device 104 may determine that the performance of the subject 204′ during the one or more simulated tasks, interactive games, training exercises, or balance tests is above a baseline normative value (i.e., above average performance).

Also, in one or more other embodiments, the measurement and analysis system described above may further comprise a force measurement assembly (e.g., force measurement assembly 102) configured to receive a subject. In addition, in one or more other embodiments, the measurement and analysis system may additionally include the instrumented motion capture glove described in detail above.

In yet a further embodiment, a modified version of the force measurement system 100′ may comprise a force measurement device 600 in the form of an instrumented treadmill. Like the force measurement assemblies 102, 102′ described above, the instrumented treadmill 600 is configured to receive a subject thereon. Refer to FIG. 38, it can be seen that the subject visual display device 107′ is similar to that described above, except that the screen 168′ of the subject visual display device 107′ is substantially larger than the screen 168 utilized in conjunction with the force measurement system 100 (e.g., the diameter of the screen 168′ is approximately two (2) times larger that of the screen 168). In one exemplary embodiment, the projection screen 168′ has a width W_(S)′ lying in the range between approximately one-hundred and eighty (180) inches and approximately two-hundred and forty (240) inches (or between one-hundred and eighty (180) inches and two-hundred and forty (240) inches). Also, rather than being supported on a floor surface using the screen support structure 167 explained above, the larger hemispherical screen 168′ of FIG. 38 rests directly on the floor surface. In particular, the peripheral edge of the semi-circular cutout 178′, which is located at the bottom of the screen 168′, rests directly on the floor. The hemispherical screen 168′ of FIG. 38 circumscribes the instrumented treadmill 600. Because the other details of the subject visual display device 107′ and the data acquisition/data processing device 104 are the same as that described above with regard to the aforementioned embodiments, no further description of these components 104, 107′ will be provided for this embodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 38, the instrumented treadmill 600 is attached to the top of a motion base 602. The treadmill 600 has a plurality of top surfaces (i.e., a left and right rotating belt 604, 606) that are each configured to receive a portion of a body of a subject (e.g., the left belt of the instrumented treadmill 600 receives a left leg 108 a of a subject 108, whereas the right belt 606 of the instrumented treadmill 600 receives a right leg 108 b of the subject 108). In a preferred embodiment, a subject 108 walks or runs in an upright position atop the treadmill 600 with the feet of the subject contacting the top surfaces of the treadmill belts 604, 606. The belts 604, 606 of the treadmill 600 are rotated by one or more electric actuator assemblies 608, which generally comprise one or more electric motors. Similar to the force measurement assemblies 102, 102′ described above, the instrumented treadmill 600 is operatively connected to the data acquisition/data processing device 104 by an electrical cable. While it is not readily visible in FIG. 38 due to its location, the force measurement assembly 610, like the force measurement assemblies 102, 102′, includes a plurality of force transducers (e.g., four (4) pylon-type force transducers) disposed below each rotating belt 604, 606 of the treadmill 600 so that the loads being applied to the top surfaces of the belts 604, 606 can be measured. Similar to that described above for the force measurement assembly 102, the separated belts 604, 606 of the instrumented treadmill 600 enables the forces and/or moments applied by the left and right legs 108 a, 108 b of the subject 108 to be independently determined. The arrows T1, T2, T3 disposed adjacent to the motion base 602 in FIG. 38 schematically depict the displaceable nature (i.e., the translatable nature) of the instrumented treadmill 600, which is effectuated by the motion base 602, whereas the curved arrows R1, R2, R3 in FIG. 38 schematically illustrate the ability of the instrumented treadmill 600 to be rotated about a plurality of different axes, the rotational movement of the instrumented treadmill 600 being generated by the motion base 602.

The primary components of the motion base 602 are schematically depicted in FIGS. 39A and 39B. As depicted in these figures, the motion base 602 comprises a movable top surface 612 that is preferably displaceable (i.e., translatable, as represented by straight arrows) and rotatable (as illustrated by curved arrows R1, R2) in 3-dimensional space by means of a plurality of actuators 614. In other words, the motion base 602 is preferably a six (6) degree-of-freedom motion base. The instrumented treadmill 600 is disposed on the movable top surface 612. The motion base 602 is used for the dynamic testing of subjects when, for example, the subject is being tested, or is undergoing training, in a virtual reality environment. While the motion base 602 is preferably translatable and rotatable in 3-dimensional space, it is to be understood that the present invention is not so limited. Rather, motion bases 602 that only are capable of 1 or 2 dimensional motion could be provided without departing from the spirit and the scope of the claimed invention. Also, motion bases 602 that are only capable of either linear motion or rotational motion are encompassed by the present invention.

Another modified version of the force measurement system 100″, which comprises a force measurement device 600′ in the form of an instrumented treadmill, is illustrated in FIG. 45. Similar to the instrumented treadmill in FIG. 38, the instrumented treadmill of FIG. 45 comprises left and right rotating belts 604, 606 and a force measurement assembly 610 disposed underneath the treadmill belts 604, 606. The force measurement system 100″ of FIG. 45 is similar in many respects to the force measurement system 100′ of FIG. 38, except that the projector arrangement is different from that of the FIG. 38 embodiment. In particular, in the embodiment of FIG. 45, two (2) projectors 164″, each having a respective fisheye-type lens 182, are used to project an image onto the generally hemispherical projection screen 168″. As illustrated in FIG. 45, each of the projectors 164″ generally rests on the top surface of the floor, and has a fisheye-type lens 182 that is angled upward at an approximately 90 degree angle. Similar to that described above with regard to FIGS. 30 and 31, the projectors 164″ with the fisheye-type lenses 182 project intersecting light beams onto the generally hemispherical projection screen 168″. Advantageously, the use of two projectors 164″ with fisheye-type lenses 182, rather than just a single projector 164″ with a fisheye lens 182, accommodates the larger diameter projection screen 168″ that is utilized with the instrumented treadmill 600′, and it also has the added benefit of removing shadows that are cast on the output screen 168″ by the subject 108 disposed on the force measurement assembly 600′.

In still a further embodiment of the invention, the virtual reality environment described herein may include the projection of an avatar image onto the hemispherical projection screen 168 of the subject visual display device 107. For example, as illustrated in the screen image 266 of FIG. 40, the immersive virtual reality environment 268 may comprise a scenario wherein an avatar 270 is shown walking along a bridge 207. The avatar image 270 on the screen 168 represents and is manipulated by the subject 108 disposed on the force measurement assembly 102 or the instrumented treadmill 600. The animated movement of the avatar image 270 on the screen 168 is controlled based upon the positional information acquired by the motion acquisition/capture system 300 described above, as well as the force and/or moment data acquired from the force measurement assembly 102 or the instrumented treadmill 600. In other words, an animated skeletal model of the subject 108 is generated by the data acquisition/data processing device 104 using the acquired data from the motion capture system 300 and the force measurement assembly 102 or the instrumented treadmill 600. The data acquisition/data processing device 104 then uses the animated skeletal model of the subject 108 to control the movement of the avatar image 270 on the screen 168.

The avatar image 270 illustrated in the exemplary virtual reality scenario of FIG. 40 has a gait disorder. In particular, it can be seen that the left foot 272 of the avatar 270 is positioned in an abnormal manner, which is indicative of the subject 108 who is controlling the avatar 270 having a similar disorder. In order to bring this gait abnormality to the attention of the subject 108 and the clinician conducting the evaluation and/or training of the subject, the left foot 272 of the avatar 270 is shown in a different color on the screen 168 (e.g., the left foot turns “red” in the image in order to clearly indicate the gait abnormality). In FIG. 40, because this is a black-and-white image, the different color (e.g., red) of the left foot 272 of the avatar 270 is indicated using a hatching pattern (i.e., the avatar's left foot 272 is denoted using crisscross type hatching). It is to be understood that, rather than changing the color of the left foot 272, the gait abnormality may indicated using other suitable means in the virtual reality environment 268. For example, a circle could be drawn around the avatar's foot 272 to indicate a gait disorder. In addition, a dashed image of an avatar having normal gait could be displayed on the screen 168 together with the avatar 270 so that the subject 108 and the clinician could readily ascertain the irregularities present in the subject's gait, as compared to a virtual subject with normal gait.

In FIG. 41, another virtual reality environment utilizing an avatar 270′ is illustrated. This figure is similar in some respects to FIG. 37 described above, except that the avatar 270′ is incorporated into the virtual reality scenario. As shown in the screen image 244′ of FIG. 41, the immersive virtual reality environment 246′ simulates a task of daily living comprising a scenario wherein the avatar 270′, which is controlled by the subject 108, is removing an object 248 (e.g., a cereal box) from a kitchen cabinet 250. Similar to that described above in conjunction with FIG. 40, the avatar image 270′ on the screen 168 represents and is manipulated by the subject 108 disposed on the force measurement assembly 102 or the instrumented treadmill 600. The animated movement of the avatar image 270′ on the screen 168 is controlled based upon the positional information acquired by the motion acquisition/capture system 300 described above, as well as the force and/or moment data acquired from the force measurement assembly 102 or the instrumented treadmill 600. In other words, the manner in which the avatar 270′ removes cereal box 248 from the kitchen cabinet 250 is controlled based upon the subject's detected motion. Similar to that explained above for FIG. 40, a disorder in a particular subject's movement may be animated in the virtual reality environment 246′ by making the avatar's left arm 274 turn a different color (e.g., red). As such, any detected movement disorder is brought to the attention of the subject 108 and the clinician conducting the evaluation and/or training of the subject. In this virtual reality scenario 246′, the cameras 302 of the motion acquisition/capture system 300 may also be used to detect the head movement of the subject 108 in order to determine whether or not the subject is looking in the right direction when he or she is removing the cereal box 248 from the kitchen cabinet 250. That is, the cameras 302 may be used to track the direction of the subject's gaze. It is also to be understood that, in addition to the cameras 302 of FIGS. 32 and 33, a head-mounted camera on the subject 108 may be used to track the subject's gaze direction. The head-mounted camera could also be substituted for one or more of the cameras in FIGS. 32 and 33.

In yet further embodiments of the invention incorporating the avatar 270, 270′ on the screen 168, the data acquisition/data processing device 104 is specially programmed so as to enable a system user (e.g., a clinician) to selectively choose customizable biofeedback options in the virtual reality scenarios 246′ and 268. For example, the clinician may selectively choose whether or not the color of the avatar's foot or arm would be changed in the virtual reality scenarios 246′, 268 so as to indicate a disorder in the subject's movement. As another example, the clinician may selectively choose whether or not the dashed image of an avatar having normal gait could be displayed on the screen 168 together with the avatar 270, 270′ so as to provide a means of comparison between a particular subject's gait and that of a “normal” subject. Advantageously, these customizable biofeedback options may be used by the clinician to readily ascertain the manner in which a particular subject deviates from normal movement(s), thereby permitting the clinician to focus the subject's training on the aspects of the subject's movement requiring the most correction.

In other further embodiments of the invention, the force measurement system 100 described herein is used for assessing the visual flow of a particular subject, and at least in cases, the impact of a subject's visual flow on the vestibular systems. In one or more exemplary embodiments, the assessment of visual flow is concerned with determining how well a subject's eyes are capable of tracking a moving object.

In still further embodiments, the force measurement system 100 described herein is used for balance sensory isolation, namely selectively isolating or eliminating one or more pathways of reference (i.e., proprioceptive, visual, and vestibular). As such, it is possible to isolate the particular deficiencies of a subject. For example, the elderly tend to rely too heavily upon visual feedback in maintaining their balance. Advantageously, tests performed using the force measurement system 100 described herein could reveal an elderly person's heavy reliance upon his or her visual inputs. In yet further embodiments, the virtual reality scenarios described above may include reaction time training and hand/eye coordination training (e.g., catching a thrown ball, looking and reaching for an object, etc.). In order to effectively carry out the reaction time training routines and the hand/eye coordination training routines, the system 100 could be provided with the motion capture system 300 described above, as well as eye movement tracking system for tracking the eye movement (gaze) of the subject or patient.

Although the invention has been shown and described with respect to a certain embodiment or embodiments, it is apparent that this invention can be embodied in many different forms and that many other modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention. In particular, while an interactive airplane game is described in the embodiment described above, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that the invention is not so limited. For example, as illustrated in the screen image 206 of FIG. 15, the immersive virtual reality environment 208 could alternatively comprise a scenario wherein the subject 204 is walking along a bridge 207. Also, the interactive game could involve navigating through a maze, walking down an endless grocery aisle, traversing an escalator, walking down a path in the woods, or driving around a course. For example, an exemplary interactive driving game may comprise various driving scenarios. In the beginning of the game, the scenario may comprise an open road on which the subject drives. Then, a subsequent driving scenario in the interactive driving game may comprise driving through a small, confined roadway tunnel. As such, the subject would encounter different conditions while engaging in the interactive driving game (e.g., a light-to-dark transition as a result of starting out on the open road and transitioning to the confines of the tunnel), and thus, the interactive game would advantageously challenge various senses of the subject. Of course, the interactive driving game could also be configured such that the subject first encounters the tunnel and then, subsequently encounters the open road (i.e., a dark-to-light transition). In addition, any other suitable game and/or protocol involving a virtual reality scenario can be used in conjunction with the aforedescribed force measurement system (e.g., any other interactive game that focuses on weight shifting by the subject and/or a virtual reality scenario that imitates depth in a 2-D painting). As such, the claimed invention may encompass any such suitable game and/or protocol.

Moreover, while reference is made throughout this disclosure to, for example, “one embodiment” or a “further embodiment”, it is to be understood that some or all aspects of these various embodiments may be combined with one another as part of an overall embodiment of the invention. That is, any of the features or attributes of the aforedescribed embodiments may be used in combination with any of the other features and attributes of the aforedescribed embodiments as desired.

Furthermore, while exemplary embodiments have been described herein, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that the exemplary embodiments set forth above are merely illustrative in nature and should not be construed as to limit the claims in any manner. Rather, the scope of the invention is defined only by the appended claims and their equivalents, and not, by the preceding description. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method for testing a subject disposed on a force measurement assembly, the method comprising the steps of: providing a force measurement assembly configured to receive a subject, the force measurement assembly including: a surface for receiving at least one portion of the body of the subject; and at least one force transducer, the at least one force transducer configured to sense one or more measured quantities and output one or more signals that are representative of forces and/or moments being applied to the surface of the force measurement assembly by the subject; providing at least one visual display device having an output screen, the at least one visual display device configured to display one or more images on the output screen so that the images are viewable by the subject, and/or providing a visual surround device configured to be mechanically displaced by one or more first actuators, the output screen of the at least one visual display device configured to at least partially circumscribe three sides of a torso of the subject and to substantially encompass a peripheral vision of the subject or the visual surround device configured to at least partially circumscribe three sides of the torso of the subject and to substantially encompass the peripheral vision of the subject, the output screen of the at least one visual display device further comprising a bottom opening with a peripheral edge configured to partially circumscribe an area occupied by the subject or the visual surround device further comprising a bottom opening with a peripheral edge configured to partially circumscribe the area occupied by the subject; providing one or more data processing devices operatively coupled to the force measurement assembly and the at least one visual display device and/or the one or more first actuators of the visual surround device, the one or more data processing devices configured to receive the one or more signals that are representative of the forces and/or moments being applied to the surface of the force measurement assembly by the subject and to convert the one or more signals into output forces and/or moments; positioning the subject on the surface of the force measurement assembly and at least partially within the output screen of the at least one visual display device or at least partially within the visual surround device such that the output screen of the at least one visual display device at least partially circumscribes three sides of the torso of the subject and substantially encompasses the peripheral vision of the subject or the visual surround device at least partially circumscribes three sides of the torso of the subject and substantially encompasses the peripheral vision of the subject, and the peripheral edge of the bottom opening of the at least one visual display device partially circumscribes the area occupied by the subject or the peripheral edge of the bottom opening of the visual surround device partially circumscribes the area occupied by the subject; sensing, by utilizing the at least one force transducer, one or more measured quantities that are representative of forces and/or moments being applied to the surface of the force measurement assembly by the subject and outputting one or more signals representative thereof; converting, by using the one or more data processing devices, the one or more signals that are representative of the forces and/or moments being applied to the surface of the force measurement assembly by the subject into one or more load output values; computing, by using the one or more data processing devices, one or more numerical values that are indicative of a postural stability of a subject by using the one or more load output values; generating, by using the one or more data processing devices, one or more images that are displayed on the output screen of the at least one visual display device, the one or more images being initially displayed on the output screen of the at least one visual display device in an initial condition with an initial image velocity value, and subsequent to the initial condition, the one or more images being displaced on the output screen of the at least one visual display device in accordance with a subsequent image velocity value that incrementally changes over time as a subject test progresses, or generating, by using the one or more data processing devices, a motion profile for the visual surround device, the visual surround device initially being maintained at an initial visual surround velocity value in accordance with an initial condition of the motion profile, and subsequent to the initial condition, the visual surround device being mechanically displaced in accordance with a subsequent visual surround velocity value that incrementally changes over time as a subject test progresses; and evaluating, by using the one or more numerical values computed by the one or more data processing devices, a performance of the subject during the progression of the subject test in order to assess a postural stability of the subject.
 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of generating the one or more images and displacing the one or more images on the output screen of the at least one visual display device using the one or more data processing devices further comprises setting the initial image velocity value to zero or approximately zero and incrementally increasing the image velocity value until reaching a final image velocity value at which the one or more images are being displaced generally in sync with a computed postural sway of a subject, or generating the motion profile for the visual surround device using the one or more data processing devices further comprises setting the initial visual surround velocity value to zero or approximately zero and incrementally increasing the visual surround velocity value until reaching a final visual surround velocity value at which the visual surround device is mechanically displaced generally in sync with the computed postural sway of the subject.
 3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the steps of: providing at least one second actuator operatively coupled to the force measurement assembly, the at least one second actuator configured to displace the force measurement assembly, and the at least one second actuator being operatively coupled to the one or more data processing devices; selectively displacing the force measurement assembly and the subject disposed thereon during the subject test by means of controlling the at least one second actuator using the one or more data processing devices; initially fixing the force measurement assembly and the subject disposed thereon in an initial static position wherein the force measurement assembly and the subject disposed thereon are generally stationary, and subsequent to the initial static position, displacing the force measurement assembly and the subject disposed thereon in accordance with a measurement assembly velocity value that incrementally changes over time as the subject test progresses; and wherein the step of evaluating the performance of the subject during the progression of the subject test further comprises evaluating the performance of the subject while the force measurement assembly and the subject disposed thereon are displaced as the measurement assembly velocity value is incrementally changed.
 4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the step of displacing the force measurement assembly and the subject disposed thereon in accordance with the measurement assembly velocity value further comprises incrementally increasing the measurement assembly velocity value until reaching a final measurement assembly velocity value at which the force measurement assembly and the subject disposed thereon are being displaced generally in sync with a computed postural sway of a subject.
 5. The method according to claim 3, wherein, during the performance of the subject test, the image velocity value or the visual surround velocity value is generally equal to the measurement assembly velocity value such that the one or more images on the output screen of the at least one visual display device or the visual surround device are displaced in sync with the displacement of the force measurement assembly and the subject.
 6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of generating the one or more images and displacing the one or more images on the output screen of the at least one visual display device or generating the motion profile for the visual surround device and displacing the visual surround device further comprises displacing the one or more images or the visual surround device in accordance with one or more of the following: (i) a medial-lateral direction of the subject, (ii) an anterior-posterior direction of the subject, (iii) a superior-inferior direction of the subject, and (iv) a rotational perturbation about one or more rotational axes in one or more respective pitch, roll, or yaw directions.
 7. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of: determining, by using the one or more data processing devices, a time duration of the subject test in accordance with a quasi real-time assessment of the one or more numerical values that are indicative of the postural stability of the subject.
 8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the one or more numerical values that are indicative of a postural stability of a subject include a sway angle of the subject, the sway angle being computed as a function of the load output values and a height of a center of gravity of the subject by the one or more data processing devices.
 9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of providing at least one visual display device and/or providing a visual surround device comprises providing at least one visual display device having an output screen; and wherein the method further comprises the step of: generating, by using the one or more data processing devices, a screen image comprising a plurality of substantially concentric bands on the output screen of the at least one visual display device that is configured to create a visual stimuli for the subject disposed on the force measurement assembly.
 10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the step of generating the screen image comprising the plurality of substantially concentric bands on the output screen of the at least one visual display further comprises generating, by using the one or more data processing devices, the plurality of substantially concentric bands having blurred edge portions without any clearly defined boundary lines so that the subject is unable to establish a particular focal point of reference on the output screen.
 11. The method according to claim 9, wherein the step of generating the screen image comprising the plurality of substantially concentric bands on the output screen of the at least one visual display further comprises generating, by using the one or more data processing devices, the plurality of substantially concentric bands in the form of one or more of the following: (i) a plurality of circular concentric bands, (ii) a plurality of elliptical or oval concentric bands, (iii) a plurality of rectangular concentric bands, (iv) a plurality of square concentric bands, and (v) a plurality of concentric bands having generally straight side portions with rounded corner portions.
 12. The method according to claim 9, wherein the step of generating the screen image comprising the plurality of substantially concentric bands on the output screen of the at least one visual display further comprises generating, by using the one or more data processing devices, the plurality of substantially concentric bands in a three-dimensional arrangement on the output screen so as to create a three-dimensional tunnel effect for the subject. 